Researchers in the field of dental sleep medicine will gather in Baltimore, Maryland June 1-3 to present their findings at the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) 2018 Annual Meeting. Their presentations will focus on advancements in oral appliance therapy, a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a device custom-fit by a dentist to maintain an open, unobstructed airway.
“This year’s research is some of the most exciting I have seen in the 25 years that I’ve been practicing dental sleep medicine,” said Harold A. Smith, president of the AADSM. “We are vastly increasing our understanding of the benefits of oral appliance therapy, and we are finding new ways to help patients thrive in the face of obstructive sleep apnea.”
Noteworthy Clinical Research Profiled
The AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting is an opportunity for dentists from across the globe to share new research on dental sleep medicine. This year’s highlighted research abstracts include findings showing the effectiveness of new treatments for older patients and the usefulness of new diagnostic tools for pediatric patients. Other studies are pioneering the measurement of the impact of oral appliance therapy on fatigue and cardiovascular health. Specific research findings from the AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting, as well as clinical research award winners, include:
• Scoring of Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated With A Titratable Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Device
Checklist of Individual Strength (CIS) found to offer additional information about treatment effectiveness
A study of 41 patients compared their responses on two different diagnostic questionnaires, the CIS and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Patients completed both questionnaires at the beginning of their treatment with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and again after three months of treatment. Results of the CIS and ESS were compared, and the CIS questionnaire was found to offer additional information about patients’ responses to treatment. Lead Author: Marc Braem, DDS, PhD.
• Evaluation of The Overall Clinical Effectiveness and Cardiovascular Effects of a Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Preliminary Results
Sleep apnea treatments shown to improve cardiovascular health
A study reported on 31 patients who underwent six months of treatment with a MAD. Those who experienced a reduction in Apnea–hypopnea index that was equal to or more than 50% compared to baseline showed a statistically significant improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction and a trend towards improvement in positive airway pressure. Lead author: Marike Dieltjens, PhD.
Additionally, other abstracts will be honored with research awards during the meeting, including:
Clinical Research Awards:
• Ghizlane Aarab, DS, Ph.D. for “The Effects of Mandibular Advancement Appliance Therapy on Jaw Closing Muscle Activity During Sleep in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients”
• Arvind Tripathi, MDS for “A Novel Use of Complete Denture Prosthesis as Mandibular Advancement Device in The Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Edentulous Subjects” Student Research Awards:
• Chloé Kastoer, MD for “Prospective Evaluation of The Effect of Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery on Upper Airway Collapse Patterns During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy” • Ahmed Masoud, BDS, MS for “Prospective Evaluation of The Effect of Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery on Upper Airway Collapse Patterns During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy”
The final program for the AADSM 2018 Annual Meeting, which details continuing education courses, speakers and discussion groups conducted at the meeting, can be found at: aadsm.org/annualmeeting. Dentists interested in applying for AADSM membership should visit the AADSM website at www.aadsm.org.
