Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic tools in Issaquah, near Seattle
Precise treatment starts with a precise diagnosis. Dr. Kimberly uses 3D imaging, at-home sleep data and objective measurements of nasal airflow and oral strength to find the root cause of airway, sleep, jaw and nervous system concerns before planning care.
Digital technology benefits accuracy and comfort
At AirSync, Dr. Kimberly combines advanced training with state-of-the-art tools to uncover the root causes of nervous system, airway, sleep and oral health concerns. Her comprehensive approach ensures precise diagnosis for optimal personalized treatment planning, for lasting results for infants, children, teens, and adults. Following are some of the diagnostic equipment patients may encounter during an evaluation.
- A CBCT scan provides a 3D view of the teeth, jaws, nasal passages, soft tissues of the head and neck area, alignment of the cranial bones and upper neck vertebrae. Gold standard treatment planning and treatment execution should 100% be planned and guided with 3D imaging (along with excellent photos and digital impressions).
A CBCT scan has significantly low radiation with one scan being equivalent to a flight from LA to New York. A medical x-ray or CT scan exposes humans to far more radiation, at least 5x as much as a CBCT. The CBCT is fundamental to planning your case and architecting your future breathing and sleep.
A 3D image is far superior to the standard of care 2D images that most dentists and specialists use to plan orthopedic and orthodontic treatment. How can achieve optimal outcomes planning 3D treatment with 2D images? Impossible!
Most important and unique to AirSync is the methodology and assessment that Dr. Santiago has created to evaluate the CBCT image. As part of the SANO Method, Dr. Santiago has developed a systematic analysis and interpretation of the CBCT image. She then cross references the findings with the exam findings, photos, digital impression, severity of symptoms and breathing disordered sleep disease to make a customized methodical plan for care.
Unique to Dr. Santiago is her long-standing use and ownership of CBCT scanners, with the first scanner purchase in 2009. 4 scanners and 16 years later, AirSync cannot live on a daily basis without 3D imaging to care for their patients.
- The SleepImage Ring is a simple, comfortable ring you wear overnight to measure exactly how well you are sleeping. It’s an FDA-cleared medical tool that we use right here at AirSync to screen sleep for quality, low oxygen to the brain, sleep interruptions, if you stop breathing and overall nervous system tone in the comfort of your own home—no wires, no uncomfortable lab stay. This small device gathers critical information about your body while you rest, including your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movement. These measurements give our clinical team the precise data needed to understand your unique sleep health story. It is helpful to understand the relationship between symptoms and their root causes when addressing complex health issues. At AirSync, we look beyond surface-level symptoms to treat the underlying issues driving your sleep problems.
We integrate the SleepImage Ring into every step of your wellness journey. We first use it to establish a clear baseline measurement of your sleep quality before we begin any treatment. It also gives us an idea of whether urgent sleep medicine referral or intervention is needed.
- The 4-Phase Rhinomanometer measures nasal airflow and resistance throughout the entire breathing cycle—far beyond simple peak flow or static tests. This precision helps understand whether nasal blockage comes from structural issues (deviated septum, turbinate swelling, valve collapse) or functional problems (inflammation, allergies, congestion). It leads to safer more effective treatments, offering clinicians and patients:
- Clear diagnosis—Identifies the true cause of nasal obstruction, avoiding “one-size-fits-all” care.
- Predictable outcomes—Shows whether medications will help (e.g., steroids, antihistamines), or if surgical/structural treatments are needed.
- Personalized care—Guides the choice of surgery, orthodontic expansion, myofunctional therapy, or laser treatment based on your airflow pattern.
- Tracks progress—Provides objective measurements before, during, and after treatment, proving results rather than relying only on symptoms.
- The IOPI (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument) measures tongue and lip strength, supporting therapy and results for swallowing, speech, and oral function.
- Our iTero scanner with the Lumina Wand creates fast, comfortable 3-D images of teeth, palate, and tongue, making treatment planning more accurate and easier to understand, especially when overlayed with the CBCT image.
The best tools for a better Life
At AirSync we use the SANO™ Method—encompassing advanced imaging, sleep data and testing of muscles, reflexes and neurological function to evaluate how the bones, muscles, and nerves work together—or don’t. These assessments help diagnose jaw disorders, airway architecture limitations, oral dysfunction, nervous system dysregulation, breathing and sleep issues. With the comprehensive analysis of the data set, Dr. Kimberly can curate a personalized strategic treatment plan that improves overall wellness.
Put life in your days, not just days in your life.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out our new patient form and our team will reach out to schedule your consultation. Prefer to talk? Call us at (425) 392-4888.