Dental Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain: What You Should Know?

Orofacial Pain, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Disorders, TMD, TMJ

AM Session: Sleep Breathing Disorders and Dentistry’s Role
Sleep breathing disorders, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), are often overlooked but have significant implications for overall health. As a common disorder, the exact prevalence of sleep apnea can vary depending on the population studied and diagnostic criteria used. It is estimated that sleep apnea affects a significant portion of the population worldwide.

In the general population, the prevalence of sleep apnea in adults is estimated to be around 9% to 38%. However, the prevalence may be higher in certain groups, such as older adults and those with obesity. It is also more prevalent among men than women. Yet the gap narrows after menopause.

It’s worth noting that many cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, so the true prevalence may be higher than reported. Additionally, the field of sleep medicine continues to evolve, and new research and diagnostic techniques may lead to updated prevalence estimates in the future.

By implementing the management of sleep apnea, dentists have the potential to improve patients’ quality of life significantly. The identification and treatment of sleep apnea can lead to enhanced sleep quality, reduced daytime fatigue, and a decreased risk of associated systemic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

This session will focus on:

• Understanding Sleep Breathing Disorders: Learn about the types of sleep breathing disorders, with a focus on how they affect both systemic and oral health.
• Dentistry’s Role in Screening and Treatment: Discover how dental professionals, particularly dentists and hygienists, can play a crucial role in the early detection and management of these conditions. We will explore the role of oral appliances, patient education, and how to work collaboratively with sleep specialists.
• Clinical Integration: Practical tips on how to incorporate sleep assessments into routine hygiene appointments, and how to educate patients on the risks and symptoms of sleep-related breathing issues. 

PM Session: Orofacial Pain – An Interdisciplinary Approach
Orofacial pain can be a complex and multifaceted issue, affecting the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), muscles, and nerves. The prevalence of orofacial pain can vary depending on the specific type of pain and the population being studied. For example, TMD, which refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and associated muscles, varies widely with estimates ranging from 5% to 12% of the population. It includes symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping jaw joints and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth.

Craniofacial and orofacial pain are common but often underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify and manage these types of pain, making continuing education in this field critically important.

This session will cover:

• Introduction to Orofacial Pain: Gain a foundational understanding of the types of orofacial pain, including TMJ disorders, neuropathic pain and headaches.
• Recognizing Orofacial Pain in the Dental Setting: Learn how dentists and hygienists can identify common signs and symptoms of orofacial pain, and how to differentiate it from other dental conditions.
• Treatment Options and Referrals: Explore treatment modalities ranging from occlusal therapy to myofascial release techniques. We’ll also discuss when and how to refer patients to specialists for further management.
• Patient Communication: Strategies for discussing orofacial pain with patients and managing their expectations during treatment.

“Dr. Patel’s sessions will include a lecture format to present the subject information incorporating numerous clinical examples to highlight the material. Personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and audience participation will accentuate key points. The interactive approach will include opportunities to ask questions, share information, and have further discussions throughout the day.”