Author(s): Biljana Milosevic, Ljiljana Tihacek Sojic, Ivica Stancic, Zanka Cerovic, Elvir Zvrko and Goran Nikolic
Background: Complex clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is increasingly present in modern dentistry. In this research, we have been assumed that the reconstruction of optimal vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) with complete dentures could reduce symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea in edentulous patients who have not worn dentures or have used inadequate ones. The aim of this study was to determine how the prosthetic treatment of edentulous patients with OSAS can extend the upper airways, reduce the accompanying day and night symptoms of sleep apnea and reduce the value of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI/h).
Methods: The study comprised 9 edentulous patients with OSAS (AHI/h 5.70 to 26.30). The complete dentures with optimal VDO reconstruction were made for all patients. For the purposes of this study, the following were used: Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) polysomnographic registration (PSG) of AHI/h, the diagnosis of the diameter of the upper respiratory tract by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 3 months after the prosthetic rehabilitation.
Results: Prosthetic treatment of edentulous patients reduces day and night time symptoms of OSAS. Sagittal and axial tomograms of the pharynx in edentulous patients with OSAS before and 3 months after the treatment indicate significant differences in the diameter of the upper airways, which are correlated with reduced AHI/h (49.93%).
Conclusion: The complete dentures prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous patients, with optimal VDO reconstruction, increases the diameter of the upper respiratory tract which is reflected in a significant reduction of OSAS symptoms and AHI/h.
