Does My X-Ray Show I Have Sleep Apnea?

Q: Dr. Eppley, We had a consultation a few months ago and I got X rays done locally (not the cone bean scan you requested but similar). I was curious if you see an issue with my airway, in that its very narrow? I was told this could lead to sleep apnea/other breathing problems and a jaw surgery could help remedy this. 

A: You don’t decide if you have an airway problem that requires surgery based on x-rays. If someone told you based on this x-ray that it might lead to airway problems they are not providing you with proper medical guidance. If you have some form of sleep apnea that you are aware of you get it properly evaluated by a sleep medicine specialist as the first step and get a sleep study to quantify its significance.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana