Description

For decades we have blamed grinding and clenching of the teeth on stress and malocclusion. While certainly emotional stress and occlusal factors can play a role in the etiology of bruxism, it is becoming clear that in many of our patients obstructive airway issues may be a major driving factor. In this interactive presentation Dr. Spencer takes the audience on an evidencebased journey, and makes a strong case that the so-called “parafunction” that wreaks havoc on our patient’s teeth and on our best restorations may actually be an attempt of the brain to “protect” the airway. This understanding will help with the diagnosis and actual treatment of the underlying etiology of bruxism. With the case made that clenching and grinding may be the brain’s way to protect itself from suffocation, the lecture will focus on how to protect the patient, protect their teeth, protect their restorations and protect your practice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Review the current literature on the etiology of bruxism.
• Understand how sleep apnea may be related to bruxism in both adults and children.
• Clarify how to screen patients for possible sleep apnea related bruxism, and learn how to protect the patient’s teeth by protecting their airway.

Dr. Jamison Spencer

DR. JAMISON SPENCER is the Director of the Craniofacial Pain Center of Idaho (Boise) and the Craniofacial Pain Center of Colorado (Denver). He is the Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), a Diplomate of the American Board of ...

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