S9.1
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome:
what is the role of dental profession?
Presented by College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong
Chairperson: Dr Sai-kwing Chan
BDS, FRACDS, FHKAM (Dental Surgery), FCDSHK(OMS)
Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Speaker: Professor Lim-kwong Cheung
Chair Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of
Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
Honorary Consultant of Department of Oral Maxillofacial and Dental
Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Chairman of Faculty Board, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of
Hong Kong
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Synopsis
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common, chronic disorder of sleep and
breathing that is characterized by periods of apnea and hypopnea during sleep.
This disorder has multiple contributing causes and if left untreated, can result in
potentially adverse complications including hypertension, chronic snoring,
excessive daytime sleepiness, decreased libido, fatigue and road traffic accidents.
In children, OSA can result in poor academic performance and hyperactivity. OSA
is related to upper airway obstruction which can result from upper airway
narrowing, increase in airway resistance and increased collapsibility of upper
airway muscles. Non-surgical and surgical modalities have been advocated in the
treatment of OSA. Non-surgical therapies have included behavior modification,
nasal continuous positive airway pressure and oral appliance therapy while
surgical therapies include uvulopharyngopalatoplasty, genioglossus advancement,
maxillo-mandibular
advancement
and
distraction
osteogenesis.
A
multi-disciplinary team approach is required for the treatment of OSA. This lecture
will discuss the increasing importance of the role of the dental profession in this
team approach and illustrate with clinical cases on the efficacy of the different
treatment modalities.