Patients' perceptions of the importance of improvements and side effects from mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

OBJECTIVE: To assess which improvements and side effects are considered most important by patients with OSA treated with a MAD. METHODS: A specific questionnaire consisting of 20 questions, including 10 questions on improvements and 10 on side effects, was developed and mailed to all subjects (54). RESULTS: 42 patients, participated in the survey by answering the questionnaire. The results showed that patients placed greater importance on the positive outcomes of treatment, with the most significant being the reduction in snoring and improvement in sleep quality. On the other hand, the side effects of difficulty speaking with the device, tooth mobility, and foreign body sensation were considered important. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages perceived by the patients appear to outweigh the disadvantages, especially the reduction of snoring, increased productivity, and improved social and intellectual life. Most significant side effects are reversible and short-term, while occlusal changes, is not considered important by patients.

Management of the Pediatric Patient with Suspected Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to describe the multidisciplinary management pathway for pediatric patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) conducted by the Pediatric and Orthodontic Department of the Dental Clinic of Padua. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All pediatric subjects undergo a comprehensive medical history, including the completion of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and a physical examination. Patients with suspected OSAS are placed on a waiting list for home respiratory polygraphy testing. The respiratory polygraphy examination is conducted over two consecutive nights and interpreted by a neurologist. Additionally, patients diagnosed with OSAS undergo a case study involving intraoral and extraoral photography, as well as radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Between September 2021 and May 2023, a total of 134 subjects (including 76 males), with an average age of 9.2 years, were identified as diagnostic suspects. Among these, 38 patients (28.3%) tested positive based on respiratory polygraphic results. Depending on the severity and etiopathogenetic characteristics of the disease, the positive cases were referred to various specialists. CONCLUSION: In the daily clinical practice of dentistry, particularly in orthodontics and pedodontics, the establishment of a defined management pathway for pediatric patients with OSAS is crucial. The collaboration of a multidisciplinary team with a shared objective of achieving accurate diagnosis and implementing targeted treatment in a timely manner is essential. Regular re-evaluation of patients through clinical and instrumental examinations is recommended.