Practice-Based Clinical Research in Canadian Dental Practices: Dr. Ken Luco
It was my pleasure and privilege to interview a dentist inventor, Dr. Ken Luco from Kingston ON. He is the designer of the Luco Hybrid OSA Appliance, which was approved by the FDA as well as Health Canada and the European Union. The appliance is used for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, primary snoring, as well as sleep-related bruxism and associated tension/migraine headaches. Dr. Luco shares his experience getting the various approvals and certifications for his device as well as doing research to prove the validity of his appliance. He encourages all dentists to try practice-based research for its positive implications on clinical practice. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Please share your thoughts, suggestions and feedback through oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca Until next time! Chiraz Guessaier. CDA Oasis Manager |
Highlights
The Luco Hybrid OSA Appliance was designed after extensive clinical testing over ten years and 7 prototypes. Over 4000 appliances have been fitted and all were assessed in an overnight sleep study, both before and after treatment. It may be used on patients over the age of 18 who have healthy teeth and gums that have undergone an overnight sleep study and were diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea or primary snoring.
In Canada, the European Union and Australia, the appliance is approved for the treatment of Sleep- Bruxism in addition to mild to moderate sleep apnea and primary snoring.
Resource Articles (PDF)
- Luco K. Sleep Apnea, Malocclusion and TMJ Symptoms. Ontario Dentist. 2014;91(4):26-7, 29.
- Luco K. How Sleep Bruxism and Tension Headaches Affect the Masseter Inhibitory Reflex. J Sleep Disor Treat Care. 6:3. doi: 10.4172/2325-9639.1000198
- Luco K. Screening Adult Dental Patients for Sleep Disorders. Ontario Dentist. 2015;92(4):26-30.
Full Interview (12.27″)