Introduction to Airway Prosthodontics

Airway prosthodontics is the study of aberrant breathing — when awake and asleep — and its impact on the development and health of the stomatognathic system. This specialty moves beyond sleep appliances and their impact on the airway during sleep. In this pathway, Dr. Jeff Rouse introduces a shift in perspective for a restorative clinician, encouraging them to consider how airway dysfunction can contribute to the everyday conditions seen in practice, and how effective screening can assist with the prevention of obstructive sleep apnea and related complications. Get an overview of the “Seattle Protocol,” a six-step systematic approach to controlling patients’ dental symptoms, which oftentimes leads to resolving an airway issue in the process of doing dentistry.

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Learning Objectives For This Pathway

• Learning objectives for this pathway:
• Recall terminology of a traditional sleep study, the causes of sleep obstruction, and the health impact of a dysfunctional airway.
• Discuss how inspiratory flow limited breathing can be applied to prevent sleep apnea, and the damaging health effects of apnea-related inflammation and stress.
• Explain the interrelated nature of TMD and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, and how to properly screen for UARS.
• Describe each step of the “Seattle Protocol” and recognize its fit into a restorative dental practice.