CE1: The Periodontist’s Role in Airway Management and Wellness

Speakers

2.5 CE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that could induce physiologic changes jeopardizing patients’ overall health and well-being. Being fully aware of the “oral­systemic” connection, periodontists are uniquely qualified to provide care to these patients, as both periodontitis and sleep-disordered breathing involve local inflammation in the oral cavity and upper airway region. Indeed, interdisciplinary works could also benefit the OSA treatments.

Educational Objectives:

• Examine the impact of sleep apnea on the healing process of periodontal therapy, overall oral health, and well-being.
• Explain the role of the periodontist as a co-therapist in the screening and management of snoring, breathing-related sleep disorders, upper airway resistance syndrome, and OSA.
• Identify how surgical techniques of accelerated orthodontics may benefit expanding maxillary/mandibular arches.