Obstructive sleep apnea: An oral and maxillofacial radiology perspective

Sleep related disorders can have a drastic negative effect on the quality of life an individual. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is well recognized condition that characterized by frequent short periods collapse upper airway, complete or partial obstruction airway during sleep, associated with snoring and brief arousals, resulting in disturbance deprivation. OSA reported as chronic disease affecting approximately 2-4 % adults globally, middle aged being most affected. The diagnosis management requires multidisciplinary approach comprising health professionals various specialties including dental professionals. emergence medicine specialty focusing exclusively sleep-related breathing has incorporated care pulmonologists, otolaryngologists dentists team. Oral exhibits maxillofacial features manifestations such midface mandibular hypoplasia, micro pharyngeal ptosis involving tonsils adenoids, followed specific radiographic air way findings. Maxillofacial Radiologists play significant role identifying patients subsequent referral to clinic. Therefore, Medicine Radiology Specialists important recognition obstructive apnea.