Rhinometer in Riverside, CA

Accurate Nasal Airway Evaluation Using Acoustic Reflection

At Gerald Middleton DDS, our commitment to whole-patient care includes evaluating the role of nasal airflow in your sleep quality, breathing, and overall health. To help identify airway blockages and nasal obstructions, we use the Rhinometer—a non-invasive acoustic tool that maps the structure of your nasal passages in just seconds. This allows us to make more accurate assessments and tailor treatment recommendations that address the root cause of sleep or breathing disorders.

Serving Riverside and the Greater Inland Empire

Conveniently located in Riverside, CA, our office provides advanced diagnostic solutions to patients from the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County. With technologies like the Rhinometer and Pharyngometer, we go beyond traditional dental exams to evaluate factors that may be affecting your sleep and systemic health. Schedule your consultation today and learn how a clearer airway can lead to better wellness.

What Is a Rhinometer?

The Rhinometer is a diagnostic device that uses acoustic reflection to measure the internal structure of your nasal passageways. By sending sound waves into the nose and capturing the way they reflect back, this tool creates a detailed map of your nasal airway—including any blockages, narrowing, or asymmetry.

Key benefits of rhinometry include:

• Non-invasive and painless procedure
• Fast testing time—typically under one minute
• Graphical results showing airway volume and constriction
• Identifies nasal resistance and structural issues
• Enhances sleep apnea evaluations and treatment planning

Rhinometry provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding your overall airway function.

What Is Rhinometry Used For?

We use the Rhinometer in a variety of clinical scenarios to enhance our diagnostic capabilities—especially for patients reporting breathing or sleep difficulties.

Sleep Apnea Evaluation

Nasal obstruction can contribute to or exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As part of our Sleep Apnea Treatment protocol, rhinometry allows us to assess nasal airway volume and determine whether congestion or blockage is affecting your ability to breathe freely during sleep.

Nasal Obstruction Screening

The Rhinometer helps us identify anatomical issues such as deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps. These insights may prompt a referral to an ENT specialist or guide adjustments to your treatment plan.

Combination with Pharyngometer Testing

When paired with the Pharyngometer, rhinometry provides a full-spectrum view of the upper airway—from the nose to the throat. This is especially useful in developing or monitoring oral appliance therapy and other airway-focused treatments.

Pre-Treatment Baselines and Monitoring

Before initiating therapy—such as an oral appliance—we use rhinometry to document airway status. Follow-up scans help us measure improvement and validate treatment effectiveness over time.

What to Expect During a Rhinometer Test

Rhinometry is one of the fastest and most comfortable diagnostic tests we offer. Here’s what to expect during your visit:

1. Preparation: You’ll be seated upright while we explain the purpose of the test and how it works.
2. Acoustic Measurement: A small probe is positioned at the entrance of each nostril to send soundwaves through the nasal passages.
3. Data Collection: In under a minute, the reflected signals are converted into a graph showing airway shape and volume.
4. Review of Findings: Your dentist will explain the results, discuss how they may relate to symptoms like snoring or mouth breathing, and outline next steps for care.