Cone beam computed tomography and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea is characterized by an intermittent cessation or diminution of airflow during sleep that may result in significant pulmonary and cardiac consequences, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a common disease that affects approximately 20% of patients who snore, equating to a total prevalence in the population of about 4% of all middle aged men and 2% of women. In reality, due to lack of recognition and the difficulty with obtaining an accurate diagnosis, the actual incidence is likely much higher.