Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management: An Overview of the Literature.
OBJECTIVE
Different approaches have been proposed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This article reviews a synopsis of the available literature regarding the management of OSA.


METHODS
A comprehensive review of the literature on the management of OSA began with a search of English-language peer-reviewed manuscripts using PubMed and MEDLINE. The focus was on clinical research articles published between 1996 and 2016. A search of relevant dental journals was also completed.


RESULTS
OSA can be managed through behavior management, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and other therapies. Clinicians may select treatment modalities based on the severity of clinical presentation and the patient's symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies showed an enhancement in the quality of life in many patients who have been treated with oral appliances, and patients in general prefer oral appliances over CPAP therapy or any other treatments for OSA because of its convenience.
College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Hamad S
HS
AlRumaih
Hugh Love Center for Research & Education in Technology, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA.
Nadim Z
NZ
Baba
Advanced Specialty Education Program in Prosthodontics, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA.|King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulkareem
A
AlShehri
Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz
A
AlHelal
College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulkareem
A
Al-Humaidan
D006801:Humans; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*
Mandibular repositioning appliance; continuous positive airway pressure; literature review; obstructive sleep apnea; oral appliance