Pharyngometer in Riverside, CA

Precision Airway Analysis for Sleep and Breathing Disorders

At Gerald Middleton DDS, we prioritize diagnostic accuracy when treating sleep-related breathing conditions. That’s why we utilize the Pharyngometer—an advanced acoustic diagnostic tool that allows us to measure and analyze the size and stability of your airway in real time. Whether you're undergoing screening for sleep apnea or evaluating oral appliance therapy, the Pharyngometer plays a key role in creating a personalized, effective treatment plan.

Innovative Airway Screening for Riverside and Surrounding Communities

Located in Riverside, CA, our office proudly serves patients from across the Inland Empire, including Los Angeles and Orange County. Our technology-first approach to dentistry includes specialized tools like the Pharyngometer, which helps us identify airway obstructions and evaluate their impact on your overall health. Schedule your consultation today to take a closer look at your airway function and discover advanced solutions for better breathing and sleep.

What Is a Pharyngometer?

The Pharyngometer is a diagnostic tool that uses soundwave-based technology to measure the dimensions and stability of your pharyngeal airway—from the back of the mouth to the top of the throat. By projecting acoustic signals and measuring their reflections, the device maps the cross-sectional area of your airway and identifies areas of narrowing or collapse.

Key features of Pharyngometer testing:

• Non-invasive, quick procedure (typically 2–5 minutes)
• Accurately identifies airway size and collapsibility
• Results displayed as a graph for clear visualization
• Helps evaluate risk and response in sleep-disordered breathing
• Supports treatment planning for oral appliance therapy

This technology is particularly valuable for patients with symptoms of sleep apnea, snoring, or airway obstruction.

How the Pharyngometer Is Used in Our Practice

The Pharyngometer supports accurate diagnosis and guides treatment decisions for patients seeking relief from sleep-disordered breathing or chronic fatigue.

Sleep Apnea Screening

If you exhibit symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the Pharyngometer helps us assess whether your airway is narrow or prone to collapse—two major contributors to disrupted breathing during sleep. We frequently use this tool in conjunction with Sleep Apnea Treatment services at our office.

Oral Appliance Therapy Evaluation

For patients who are candidates for oral appliance therapy, the Pharyngometer allows us to test how the airway changes when the lower jaw is gently repositioned. This gives us real-time insight into the potential effectiveness of treatment before it begins.

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

Post-treatment, we may use the Pharyngometer to evaluate improvements in airway openness and stability, ensuring the therapy is performing as expected.

Integrative Diagnostics

Pharyngometer data is often used alongside insights from the Rhinometer and CBCT Scanner to provide a complete picture of nasal and oral airway health. This integrative approach allows us to tailor treatment to your specific anatomy and needs.

What to Expect During a Pharyngometer Test

The Pharyngometer procedure is simple, painless, and completed in just a few minutes:

1. Initial Assessment: We’ll review your symptoms and determine whether Pharyngometer testing is appropriate for your case.
2. Testing Setup: You’ll be comfortably seated while a small mouthpiece is placed to direct soundwaves down your airway.
3. Soundwave Mapping: The device projects acoustic signals and measures how they reflect off the airway walls.
4. Visual Results: A graph is generated in real time, displaying the width and shape of your airway along its length.
5. Treatment Discussion: Based on the results, we’ll discuss your options, including oral appliance therapy, further diagnostic steps, or coordination with a sleep physician.