Comparative analysis of the oropharyngeal airway in patients aged over 40 years: A cone beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to compare different measurements of the oropharyngeal airway in patients aged over 40 years on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Seven hundred and five patients aged over 40 years were divided into three groups (40–49, 50–59, and ≥60 years). A comparative analysis of oropharyngeal airway (volume, minimum cross-sectional area, minimum anteroposterior distance, and minimum right to left distance) between the groups was carried out on CBCT images acquired for different dental purposes. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA statistical test. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in mean value of oropharyngeal airway measurements (P < 0.05). In the middle age group of patients aged from 50 to 59 years, the mean value of each measurement was lower than its counterpart in other groups. Conclusions: Patients aged from 50 to 59 years had the smallest oropharyngeal airway measurements; therefore, they might be at high risk of developing sleep-related breathing disorders, and further assessment is recommended.