It is unlikely that an unexpected airway obstruction will occur while a patient is being treated. However, unexpected airway obstructions may occur while patients or others are in the reception room or other areas of the dental office. Upper airway obstruction generally is reversible, and total obstruction is rare. The most common cause of upper airway obstruction is unconsciousness. In this situation the jaw retrudes, causing occlusion of the airway by the patient's tongue. The epiglottis can also occlude the airway.

 
Upper airway obstruction can cause loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Airway obstruction must be considered as a differential diagnosis in anyone who stops breathing. 

Diagnosis of partial versus complete obstruction is critical and must be done rapidly to prevent serious complications from total anoxia. If a person is making coughing or other noises, the obstruction is partial. If no noise is made, although the patient is attempting to cough or talk, the obstruction is complete.
 
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT
 
   1. Position head (Fig. 5)
   2. Remove foreign object
        a. Sweeping motion of fingers
        b. Magil or straight forceps
        c. Suction
   3. Perform abdominal thrusts/Heimlich maneuver.

If the above procedures are unsuccessful after repeated attempts, cricothyrotomy is indicated.