Implant-Retained Mandibular Advancement Device Therapy for Edentulous Patients

Lack of teeth was long considered a contraindication for the use of mandibular advancement devices in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Implant-retained mandibular advancement device therapy is a promising alternative in patients with edentulous jaws who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. However, only seven cases involving implant-retained mandibular advancement devices have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of implant-retained mandibular advancement device therapy in patients with edentulous jaws and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Edentulous patients with implant-retained mandibular advancement devices were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction, considered as the cases of clinical success in which patients adhered to the therapy and experienced reduced sleepiness or snoring. The secondary outcomes were patient adherence and polysomnographic outcomes.

Of the 33 patients who underwent polysomnography before implant-retained mandibular advancement device therapy, 22 (66.7%) adhered to the therapy, and 14 (42.4%) were satisfied. Thirteen patients (39.4%) underwent controlled polysomnography after starting the therapy; only six (46.2%) had decreased apnea–hypopnea indexes.

An implant-retained mandibular advancement device is a valuable alternative for treating edentulous patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.