Evaluation of the Upper Airway Morphology: The Role of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has several applications in dentomaxillofacial diagnosis. Frequently, the imaged volume encompasses the upper airway. This article provides a systematic approach to airway analysis and the implications of the anatomic and pathologic alterations. It discusses the role of CBCT in management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. This paper also highlights technological advances that combine CBCT imaging with computational modeling of the airway and the potential clinical applications of such technologies.