F15: Airway in the Restorative Practice: An Interdisciplinary Approach

A perfect, unobstructed, smooth-flowing, and properly functioning airway would be optimal. If the airway is compromised, treating the “root cause” of the compromised airflow would be optimal. But what about the patient for whom a mandibular advancement device is the appropriate treatment to manage better sleep and airway? Every patient is entitled to know what optimal is, the benefit, the likely consequences of suboptimal, and the compromises of anything less. The process for the dentist can still be systematic, interdisciplinary in nature, and somewhat predictable.

Educational Objectives:

• Have tools to evaluate possible airway issues in the restorative practice
• Understand how to systematically treatment plan optimal treatment
• Be able to identify options to appropriately phase treatment
• Understand how to manage complications associated with the use of a MAD