Understanding the Importance of Airway CBCT in Holistic Dental Exams

At Family Holistic Dentistry in Boulder, Colorado, we prioritize a holistic approach to dental care, ensuring that we address the root cause of oral health issues. One critical component of our comprehensive exams is the use of airway CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), which allows us to evaluate key structures such as the TMJ (jaw joints), nasal passages, and airway. This advanced imaging technology helps us uncover underlying issues that may be affecting both oral and overall health.

Dr. Anna Jumtina, who leads our practice’s airway and ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) treatments, is dedicated to ensuring that each patient’s airway health is thoroughly assessed. Her expertise in these areas allows us to provide advanced, personalized treatment plans that address both dental and airway concerns.

Why We Use Airway CBCT

Airway exam with full range CBCT is a powerful tool that allows us to evaluate critical structures like the airway, nasal passages, sinuses, and TMJ. However, it’s important to note that not all CBCT machines are capable of this level of analysis.

While some CBCT machines focus primarily on providing detailed imaging of the teeth and bones, those designed for airway analysis require a larger field of view. This ensures we capture the upper and lower airway structures, giving us a full 3D picture of areas that may be impacting not just oral health, but overall well-being.

At Family Holistic Dentistry, we’ve invested in advanced CBCT technology with a large field of view to provide the most comprehensive airway analysis possible. This allows us to see the bigger picture when it comes to your health, ensuring we can identify potential blockages or other issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Benefits of Airway Analysis in a Comprehensive Exam

1. TMJ and Jaw Joint Health: The CBCT allows us to examine the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) closely. Damage or misalignment in this joint can lead to clenching and grinding, which patients often aren’t aware of, especially when it happens during sleep. This can cause fractured fillings, increased acidity, and dental decay.

2. Sinus Blockages and Mouth Breathing: The CBCT helps us assess the sinuses and airway size. Blockages in the sinuses can lead to chronic mouth breathing, which is detrimental to oral health. Mouth breathing significantly changes the oral microbiome, leading to more cavities and wear on dental restorations.

3. Sleep and Breathing Patterns: By analyzing the airway, we can identify issues like restricted airflow, which could be contributing to sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. If sleep apnea is suspected, we work closely with your medical doctor to develop a coordinated treatment plan, ensuring that both dental and medical interventions are aligned to improve your overall health and quality of sleep.

4. Choosing the Right CBCT Matters: Not every CBCT system can provide the necessary detail for airway evaluations. Our investment in large field-of-view CBCT technology ensures that we are equipped to thoroughly examine your airway, providing accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options for any airway-related issues.