THE DENTIST AS A PROTAGONIST IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Abstract

Sleep dentistry is an area of ​​study that has been brought to the fore since the end of the 20th century. Although it is not a new science, many dentists and even the general public are unaware of the advantages that this area of ​​study can add to a differential diagnosis, influencing the improvement of patients' quality of life. With this assumption in mind, this work presents the dentist as a protagonist in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, which aims to clarify the problem of How can the dentist act in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea? This study has the general objective of proposing actions and treatment options by dentists that help improve patients' quality of sleep and life. The specific objectives are to clarify the role of the dentist in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea; to identify whether there are significant relationships between obstructive sleep apnea and dental problems or systemic problems; and present the available treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. This work is a bibliographic review, which used an electronic book, a physical book, as well as twenty-three articles researched in the research platforms PubMed, SciELO, BVS, in English and Portuguese, selected for having been published in the last five years. The aim of this study is to bring updates on studies on sleep dentistry and its latest discoveries that contribute to the daily clinical practice of dentists who intend to offer a differentiated and holistic diagnosis to the patient.