Apnea Is the End, Not the Story: Respiratory Distress and Periodontal Inflammation

Tuesday Session, 10:15–11:45 a.m.
Program Track: Interdisciplinary Therapy

Moderator: Michael Curry
Speaker: Jeff Rouse

As dentists begin to recognize the impact of dysfunctional breathing, managing the problem will become an important component of comprehensive dental care. Obstructive sleep apnea is the end-stage of a continuum causing chronic somatic/neurologic/ inflammatory damage. Dr. Rouse has developed a protocol for evaluating the relative health of the autonomic nervous system of the patient with fully reversible procedures. The patient’s reaction to the therapy will help determine the next level of referral to resolve the airway limitation.

Educational Objectives:
• Recognize that breathing disorders are much more than apnea.
• Develop a strategy to screen patients in a periodontal practice.
• Create an autonomic nervous system trial to direct the practitioner in developing an interdisciplinary health and dental plan.