The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is verified by means of polysomnography – the all-night monitoring of sleep. The patient affected by OSAS is typically of male sex, mildly or severely obese, with a large circumference of the neck, increased deposition of fat into soft palate, lateral parts of oropharynx and into the tongue, displaying a prolonged soft palate, hypoplastic mandible or maxilla (particularly in the sagital direction). Orthopantomogram or lateral cephalogramof the patient are characterized by calcified atheroma plaques in the carotid artery. Anamnesis in these patients is most frequently characterized with chronic fatigue syndrome of uncertain etiology, period of microsleep, hypertension, snoring and diabetes mellitus of IInd type. If the dentist discerns these symptoms, suspicion of OSAS may be put forward.

        Key words: obstructive sleep apnea syndrome – methods of examination