Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report and Literature Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/3t3th077

Keywords:

Obstructive sleep apnea; Orthognatic surgery; Maxillomandibular advancement; Le Fort type I osteotomy; Counterclockwise rotation; Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy; Case report.

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder caused by upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to airflow interruption. Despite its increasing prevalence, OSA remains largely underdiagnosed. This literature review and case report aims to update the dental community on the diagnosis and management of OSA while presenting the case of a patient treated with a multidisciplinary approach including surgical intervention. We report the case of a 27-year-old patient with a chief complaint of respiratory impairment, snoring, and unaesthetic chin projection, associated with daytime sleepiness, headaches, severe snoring, fatigue, and extreme exhaustion. The patient presented with a BMI of 32 kg/m², a class II dentofacial deformity, mandibular retrognathism, and moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index: 22), and was treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) with counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane, genioplasty and lifestyle modifications. The intervention resulted in a reduction of the Apnea-Hypopnea Index to 0.5 events/hour and a favorable esthetic and functional outcome. Long-term weight management remains crucial to prevent recurrence, while annual follow-up ensures appropriate monitoring. This case supports existing evidence on the benefits of surgical correction in appropriately selected patients and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary management in OSA treatment.

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Published

2026-07-09