Sleep Apnea Keeping You Up At Night?

If sleep apnea is leaving you exhausted and traditional treatments aren’t working, oral surgery might provide a long-term solution. Many patients struggle with CPAP machines due to discomfort or low compliance, making surgical intervention an appealing option. By addressing the anatomical causes of airway obstruction, oral surgery can help you breathe easier and achieve deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

Why CPAP isn’t always the best solution

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing that last for 10 seconds or longer. These interruptions force the body to wake up momentarily, disrupting sleep cycles and preventing restorative rest. Over time, sleep apnea contributes to:

• Chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke
• Impaired memory and mood disorders
• Higher likelihood of accidents due to daytime drowsiness

When conservative treatments like CPAP therapy or oral appliances fail, oral surgery may be the next step to achieving better sleep and improved overall health.

Reconstructive surgery

• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This procedure repositions the upper and lower jaws to widen the airway.
• Genioglossus Advancement (GA): By repositioning a small part of the lower jaw, GA helps keep the tongue from collapsing into the airway during sleep, reducing blockages and improving airflow.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): UPPP removes excess tissue from the soft palate and throat to create more space in the airway. It’s often combined with other procedures for greater effectiveness.
• Nasal and Soft Tissue Procedures: Correcting a deviated septum or reducing enlarged nasal turbinates can improve airflow and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: A small device implanted in the chest stimulates the tongue muscles during sleep, preventing airway collapse. This is a great option for patients who don’t want extensive surgery.

Is surgery right for you?

Not all sleep apnea patients need surgery. Doctors typically recommend trying non-surgical options like CPAP for at least three months before considering surgical solutions. A thorough evaluation, including imaging and sleep studies, will help determine if surgery is the best path forward. Surgical recovery varies by procedure, but most patients experience improved sleep within weeks. Some soreness and swelling are expected, but long-term benefits include better sleep quality, increased energy, and reduced health risks.

The road to better sleep

If sleep apnea is affecting your health and lifestyle, it may be time to explore surgical options. A consultation with an oral surgeon can help determine whether a procedure could be the key to getting the rest you need.