Ryan O’Neill, DMD
In our practice, we find that CBCT airway visualization helps patients understand how mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are effective at improving airflow. Anecdotally, we show an increase in airway volume of 50% to 100% on average in successful MAD responders. Our CBCT is a great conversation starter with patients in helping understand the need for a sleep study, which furthers our collaborative efforts with local pulmonologists.
Final Thoughts
CBCT used primarily for the screening and assessment of OSA alone is not the most advantageous use of this expensive equipment (due to its limitations discussed earlier). CBCT is not a diagnostic tool for OSA and should not replace polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing in the diagnostic process.
Owning a CBCT imaging device is most effective for general dentists who perform a wide range of services, in addition to OSA treatment. My CBCT allows me to screen and educate my patients in such a way that the monthly production generated by my CBCT justifies the monthly expense of my CBCT. SR
Ryan O’Neill, DMD, is a general dentist in Nashville, Tenn, and owner of Sleep Nashville, a dental practice devoted entirely to treating sleep-disordered breathing through oral appliance therapy. O’Neill lectures nationally on sleep apnea, 3D imaging, and medical billing, and he is an instructor and thought leader for the OPTISLEEP oral appliance. O’Neill has a passion for training and equipping general dentists on how to treat sleep apnea; he offers courses “3D Sleep” and “True Sleep” through True North Continuing Education. O’Neill personally wears an oral appliance, which he says changed his sleep and his life.
References
1. Buchanan A, Cohen R, Looney S, et al. Cone-beam CT analysis of patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to normal controls. Imaging Sci Dent. 2016 Mar;46(1):9–16.
2. Camacho M, Capasso R, Schendel S. Airway changes in obstructive sleep apnoea patients associated with a supine versus an upright position examined using cone beam computed tomography. J Laryngol Otol. 2014 Sep;128(9):824-30.