Compromise and control of the airway

Compromise of the airway is a preventable cause of patient death and is of vital concern to the dental professional. The dentist may encounter airway compromise and must be able to render appropriate care. Unfortunately, this important topic has received little or no attention in the dental literature during the last 5 years. The purpose of this article is to review the etiology of airway compromise, the basic principles of airway management, and the indications for more advanced airway intervention, including intubation and emergency surgical approaches.