Why We Use Low-Dose CBCT in Airway Consultations for Children

Why We Use Low-Dose C B C T  in Airway Consultations for Children

As a pediatric dentist with a focus on airway health, one of the most powerful diagnostic tools I use in my practice is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This 3D imaging technology has transformed the way we assess, diagnose, and treat children with potential airway issues—and it's often the first step in giving your child the best chance at healthier breathing and better sleep.

If your child has been referred for a CBCT scan, or you're wondering why a dentist would be looking at their airway in the first place, let me walk you through why this tool is so essential in modern pediatric care. 

What Is a Low-Dose CBCT Scan—and Why Do We Use It?

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a specialized 3D imaging technique that provides detailed views of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and most importantly, the upper airway.

Unlike traditional 2D dental x-rays, CBCT gives us a 360-degree view of your child’s anatomy in a single scan, allowing us to visualize the airway from nose to throat, assess jaw development, and detect any structural concerns that might be impacting breathing, sleep, or growth.

What Makes CBCT Different 

In my practice, CBCT is often the key to connecting the dots between your child’s oral health, facial development, and airway function.

Here's what I use CBCT for:

• Airway Assessment: We can visualize and measure the size of your child’s airway and identify areas of narrowing that might contribute to obstructive sleep apnea or poor nasal breathing.
  
  
• Tonsils & Adenoids Evaluation: Outside of an ENT using a small camera in the nose, a CBCT scan is the only way to see adenoids. CBCT provides a clear view of soft tissue spaces—often showing us if enlarged tonsils or adenoids are crowding the airway.
  
  
• Jaw & Palate Development: It helps assess the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, identify asymmetries, and evaluate if the palate is too narrow—information that guides early interceptive orthodontic treatment.
  
  
• Treatment Planning: Whether we’re considering palatal expansion, myofunctional therapy, or referral to an ENT or sleep specialist, the CBCT scan gives us a foundation to build an effective and individualized treatment plan.
  
  

Why Lose Dose Matters

Our iCAT FLX CBCT machine, which we use, is designed with children in mind. On the lowest setting, which is what we use, the radiation exposure can be similar to what you’d get on a routine airplane flight. We adjust our protocols so we get the essential information needed without exposing your child to unnecessary radiation.

What Happens After the Scan?

Once the scan is complete (it only takes about 5-7 seconds), I’ll review the 3D images and share the findings with you in a clear, understandable way. We always send the CBCT scan to a radiology specialist to perform a deeper analysis of the scan and share their findings. If needed, I also collaborate with your child’s other healthcare providers or refer your children to the necessary specialists—such as ENTs, sleep specialists, orthodontists, or myofunctional therapists—to develop a comprehensive airway plan.

Having a clear picture early allows us to best care for your child—to help them breathe, sleep, and grow better.

Common Signs Your Child May Have an Airway Issue

Many airway concerns go unnoticed for years—especially in young children who may not be able to explain what they’re experiencing. Some signs I look for (and that often lead me to recommend a CBCT scan) include:

• Chronic mouth breathing
  
  
• Loud snoring or gasping during sleep
  
  
• Nightmares, bedwetting, or restlessness at night
  
  
• Daytime fatigue, hyperactivity, or difficulty focusing
  
  
• Narrow or high-arched palate
  
  
• Very crowded or misaligned teeth
  
  
• History of tongue-tie, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use

If your child exhibits any of these signs, it’s possible that their airway may be restricted—either by enlarged adenoids or tonsils, underdeveloped jaws, or nasal obstructions.

Why Early Airway Intervention Matters

The earlier we can identify airway restrictions, the more effective—and less invasive—treatment tends to be. A child’s face and jaw are still developing, so there’s a tremendous opportunity to guide growth in the right direction by encouraging nasal breathing and using tools like Myo Munchees, functional appliances, or palatal expanders. 

Unresolved airway issues don’t just affect sleep—they can impact learning, behavior, speech, facial development, and even long-term health.

Final Thoughts from Your Pediatric Airway Dentist

As a pediatric dentist, my job goes far beyond teeth. I look at the whole child—and that includes how they breathe, sleep, and develop. CBCT has given us the ability to see the full picture in ways we never could before.

If I’ve recommended a low-dose CBCT scan for your child, it’s because I want to make sure we’re not guessing—we’re diagnosing with confidence and treating with purpose.

Have questions about CBCT or your child’s airway?
I’m always here to talk through the options, explain the process, and help you make the best decision for your child’s health and development.