Retropalatal Cross-Sectional Area Is Predictive of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis

The enigma of sleep: Implications of sleep neuroscience for the dental clinician and patient

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances have been shown to result in considerable morbidity and mortality. It is important for dental clinicians to understand the neuroscience behind sleep disorders.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors conducted a search of the literature published from January 1990 through March 2024 of sleep medicine-related articles, with a focus on neuroscience. The authors prioritized articles about the science of sleep as related to dental medicine.

RESULTS

The authors found a proliferation of articles related to sleep neuroscience along with its implications in dental medicine. The authors also found that the intricate neuroscientific principles of sleep medicine are being investigated robustly. The salient features of, and the differences between, central and obstructive sleep apneas have been elucidated. Sleep genes, such as CRY, PER1, PER2, and CLOCK, and their relationship to cancer and neurodegeneration are also additions to this rapidly developing science.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The dental clinician has the potential to be the first to screen patients for possible sleep disorders and make prompt referrals to the appropriate medical professionals. This can be lifesaving as well as minimize potential future morbidity for the patient.

An Overview of Craniosynostosis Craniofacial Syndromes for Combined Orthodontic and Surgical Management

This article provides an overview of epidemiology, genetics, and common orofacial features of those with craniosynostosis. Patients with craniosynostosis require several surgical procedures along with continuum of care. The earliest surgical interventions are done during the first few years of life to relieve the fused sutures. Midface advancement, limited phase of orthodontic treatment, and combined orthodontics/orthognathic surgery treatment are usually required during later years. This article presents several examples of cases with outcomes associated with these procedures.