Are you or a loved one affected by frequent, loud snoring, or feeling tired and poorly rested upon awakening? You could be dealing with a common yet potentially life-threatening condition, known as sleep apnea. Approximately 20 million American adults are estimated to be affected by this condition, but only about 10% of these individuals have been diagnosed and received treatment.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder, in which an individual experiences periodic episodes of cessation of breathing during sleep. The majority of people with sleep apnea don’t recognize their symptoms, and remaining undiagnosed and untreated can be dangerous—a full night of sleep apnea reduces blood oxygen levels and can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
There are a multitude of testing options available for identifying sleep apnea, though the most precise are sleep studies. A traditional in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. This test records a variety of physiological variables that a typical polysomnogram cannot capture, including snoring, leg movement, respiratory events and their corresponding EEG stages. However, a PSG can be cumbersome, as most are conducted in a hospital, and can be costly.
Recently, the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as an effective way to diagnose sleep apnea. In a CBCT scan, a cone-shaped x-ray beam produces numerous 2D images which are used to reconstruct a 3D view of the individual’s teeth and skull. This type of scan is highly accurate and a much more efficient process. It also allows sleep apnea symptomology to be analyzed with greater precision.
Advantages of CBCT with regards to sleep apnea
Utilizing a CBCT:
- Produces a detailed, high-resolution 3D image.
- Enables the capturing of a variety of variables such as airway volume and soft tissue restriction.
- Is less invasive and more cost-effective than a sleep study.
- Is significantly more comfortable for the patient.
Best Practices for Utilizing CBCT for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Consult with A Sleep Apnea Specialist: To fully understand the patient’s sleep disturbance and its treatment options, it is critical to instruct an experienced sleep apnea specialist to review the patient’s CBCT. A specialist can determine the most suitable therapy, based on the geometric, anatomical, apneic, and personalized parameters. The specialist can then use the data from the CBCT to create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s sleep disorder and treatment response.
Encouraging the Patient to Sleep in a Vertical Position: To best capture the airway volume, try and have the patient sleep in a vertical position while the CBCT is being performed. Keep in mind that the patient’s tongue must be relaxed as this helps keep the airway open and could be key when interpreting a CBCT image.
Advise the Patient to Refrain from Eating Before the Scan: Deliberating the patient to avoid eating or drinking anything meaningful just before the scan can help mitigate scan artefacts that can negatively impact diagnosis of sleep apnea.
Closing Thoughts
Cone beam computed tomography is emerging as a trustworthy and cost-efficient diagnostic technique for sleep apnea. As the rate of sleep apnea continues to rise around the world, CBCT scans may become critical for diagnosis and designing treatment options. It is highly recommended to consult with a sleep apnea specialist to fully understand the patient’s sleep symptoms and treatment options. And, to best capture accurate data from a CBCT, encourage patients to sleep in a vertical position or restrain from eating certain foods or drinks before the scan.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing consistent, loud snoring and perpetual fatigue, you may be at risk for sleep apnea and it’s best to seek medical help right away. A CBCT scan can help get you a timely diagnosis.
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