Assessment of the Oropharyngeal Space Using CBCT and Its Impact on Volume of Airway Prior and after Denture Placement: In Vivo Study

Aim: The current study aimed to assess the oropharyngeal space using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and its effect on airway volume both before and after denture placement. Materials and methods: For this investigation, a total of 15 individuals with fully edentulous upper and lower ridges, ranging in age from 40 to 70, were taken into consideration. A recording of the pulmonary function test was made both prior to and following full denture recovery. Prior to finishing denture therapy, the patient underwent a CBCT scan while standing erect and wearing a cephalostat. For one patient, two tomographs were recorded. The initial skull tomography was obtained prior to the rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs. After receiving prosthetic rehabilitation, the second tomograph was taken. On Demand 3D and CS 3D imaging software were used to take the measurements. The maxillary and mandibular complete dentures were fabricated using standardized techniques. Following prosthesis insertion, a CBCT scan of the skull was performed, and the results were recorded and analyzed. Results: The mean oropharyngeal space measurement before and after complete denture rehabilitation was 9.18 mm and 10.20 mm, respectively. It was discovered that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). The oropharynx’s mean volume before complete denture rehabilitation was 5533.50 mm3, and it was 6562.39 mm3 after denture rehabilitation was finished. A statistically significant difference was discovered (p = 0.028). Conclusion: On conclusion, a statistically significant difference was found between the airway volume and oropharyngeal space prior to and following denture rehabilitation. Reducing apnea-hypopnea episodes can be achieved by minimizing pharyngeal collapsibility in patients by providing complete dentures that are created with acceptable and potentially improved vertical dimension of occlusion within the limits of permissible tissues. Clinical significance: The CBCT image enables it to be simple to distinguish between empty space and soft tissues. One benefit of wearing a denture while sleeping for edentulous patients with obstructive sleep apnea is that it helps decrease apnea-hypopnea episodes. This happens because wearing a denture causes changes to the soft tissue, pharyngeal airway space, jaw, and tongue positions.