Management and Treatment of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders with a Focus on Mandibular Advancement Splints

Management and Treatment of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders with a Focus on Mandibular Advancement Splints

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the spectrum of sleep-related breathing disorders from normal breathing to severe sleep apnea. At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain the role and physiological rationale behind the use of mandibular advancement splints in managing obstructive sleep apnea. At the end of the lesson you will be able to perform a subjective assessment and examination for a patient with potential sleep-related breathing disorders. At the end of the lesson you will be able to prescribe mandibular advancement splints and plan appropriate follow-up care.

What do you already know about sleep-related breathing disorders and their management?

Spectrum of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SBD)

A range of respiratory problems occurring during sleep, from simple snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Pathophysiology and Aetiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Understanding the underlying mechanisms and causes of OSA, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep.

Clinical Features of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with sleep-related breathing disorders, including snoring, gasping, and daytime sleepiness.

Diagnosis and Polysomnography in Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Utilizing polysomnography, a comprehensive sleep study, to diagnose sleep disorders by measuring various physiological parameters during sleep.

Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Exploring different management strategies for OSA, including behavior modification, CPAP, and mandibular advancement splints.

Understanding Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)

Learning about dental devices that advance the mandible to increase the pharyngeal airway space and reduce airway collapsibility in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mandibular Advancement Splints

Assessing the benefits and potential complications associated with the use of mandibular advancement splints in the management of sleep-related breathing disorders.

Definition List

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SBD), Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Polysomnography

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.