Sleep Apnea Treatment with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to experience pauses in breathing, or apneas, during sleep. These pauses can last between a few seconds and whole minutes, and patients may wake up or partially awaken with a gasping sensation. Because the major symptoms of sleep apnea occur during sleep, usually a partner or roommate will notice the condition before the actual sufferer. Although the airway blockages generally occur at night, sleep apnea can seriously affect your overall quality of life, and in severe cases, it can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Some common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include the following:
- Loud snoring, choking, or gasping sounds during sleep
- Grogginess or sleepiness during the day, even after a full night’s rest
- Difficulty paying attention during the day
- Irritability, mood changes, or depression
- Waking with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Difficulty staying asleep through the night
- Waking up with shortness of breath
- Cessations in breathing during sleep (noticed by another person)
There are multiple different kinds of sleep apnea, and not all sleep apnea patients will experience the same symptoms—it is possible to have sleep apnea without loud snoring or other symptoms. Having a sleep apnea test or sleep study is the only way to know for sure whether or not you have sleep apnea. Getting tested is important because sleep apnea can cause serious problems if it is left untreated for an extended period of time.
Surgical Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can sometimes be managed or treated with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight. CPAP machines are also often successful at managing sleep apnea, but in some cases, surgery is the best way to unblock the airway. Oral surgeons can perform certain procedures to alter the shape of the soft palate or jaw to correct sleep apnea.
UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) is a procedure that removes or alters tissue in the back of the soft palate. Doing so can open the airway and prevent blockages during sleep. Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) uses laser technology to tighten the soft palate, achieving a similar airway-opening effect.
Sometimes the position of the jaw can limit the air passage in the throat. In these cases, a more complex procedure may be necessary. Orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery can reposition the jaw to improve airflow and stop sleep apnea from occurring.
Comprehensive Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatments at Siouxland OMS Clinics
If you are referred to us by a sleep specialist or simply want to learn about your sleep apnea treatment options, our staff can help. Contact one of our four office locations in Sioux Falls, SD, Mitchell, SD, Brookings, SD, or Yankton, SD, to schedule a consultation appointment or find out more about sleep apnea treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surgical treatments are available for sleep apnea?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can treat sleep apnea with procedures that improve airway function, including soft tissue surgery of the throat and corrective jaw surgery to reposition the jaws and open the airway.
When is surgery recommended for sleep apnea?
Surgery may be recommended when CPAP therapy is not effective or well tolerated, or when anatomical issues such as jaw position or excess soft tissue significantly block the airway during sleep.
What is UPPP surgery?
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure that removes or reshapes excess tissue in the back of the throat and soft palate to widen the airway and reduce obstruction during sleep.
What is LAUP surgery?
Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) uses laser technology to tighten and reduce tissue in the soft palate, helping to improve airflow and reduce airway collapse during sleep.
How does jaw surgery help sleep apnea?
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to create more space in the airway. This can significantly reduce or eliminate airway obstruction in patients whose sleep apnea is related to jaw structure.
Is sleep apnea surgery effective?
For properly selected patients, surgical treatment can significantly improve breathing during sleep and reduce symptoms such as snoring, daytime fatigue, and interrupted sleep. Your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate based on your airway anatomy and sleep study results.
How long is recovery after sleep apnea surgery?
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Soft tissue surgeries typically heal within a few weeks, while jaw surgery may require several weeks of recovery and gradual return to normal activities.
Where can I get evaluated for surgical sleep apnea treatment?
Consultations are available at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, with convenient locations in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Yankton, and Brookings, South Dakota, for patients being evaluated for surgical sleep apnea treatment.