Sleep apnea and oral surgery might not sound directly related, but they are. Typically, oral surgery is not the first step in sleep apnea treatment, and many patients start with non-surgical treatments such as CPAP machines or oral appliances; however, if those options fail or you have difficulty using them, surgery may become the next treatment option. Oral and maxillofacial surgery, including maxillofacial jaw surgery for sleep apnea, can be an effective treatment for airway obstruction caused by collapsed throat tissues, especially in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea when conservative care has not worked. Sleep apnea refers to any breathing interruption when a person is asleep, and those repeated airway blockages strain the brain and body, underscoring the vital role of an oral surgeon in overall health and wellness. If you are living with obstructive sleep apnea and not getting enough relief from non-surgical treatment, Dr. Davis at Utah Oral and Facial Surgery Institute can help you understand the relationship between sleep apnea and oral surgery, when surgery is recommended, and which procedure may fit your needs through a personalized treatment plan.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to any interruption that occurs during sleep. Common symptoms include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and trouble thinking clearly. When experiencing sleep apnea, the tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block your airway while you sleep. This can happen for several seconds or up to a minute. After a minute, your brain wakes up just enough to restart breathing, and in some cases, this can happen over 500 times per night. You will never enter a deep sleep cycle if you are frequently experiencing breathing issues during the night.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be linked to many health concerns, especially if not treated, and addressing it is an important part of realizing the overall oral health benefits of oral surgery. Because you are not getting enough sleep, you are probably experiencing fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. You might even be experiencing headaches and some irritability. Sudden drops in blood oxygen from untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, place strain on your cardiovascular system, and create an increased risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.
Certain medications or anesthesia might relax your upper airway, but because they are sedatives, this can worsen obstructed airways. Major surgery, especially after sedation, can cause people with obstructive sleep apnea to be more prone to complications following their procedure, which is why it is critical to work with a practice that offers comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and appropriate monitoring.
Snoring and restless sleep can cause someone sleeping next to you to be sleep-deprived because of your condition. Sleep deprivation might eventually disrupt relationships and cause partners to sleep in the other room. Don’t let sleep apnea disturb your health or personal relationships. Contact OFSI today to consult Dr. Davis regarding your obstructive sleep apnea.
What kinds of surgeries are associated with sleep apnea?
There are various surgical procedures to attempt to correct sleep apnea if conservative treatments are not working for you, and they are generally considered for moderate to severe OSA, even those with normal osseous structures when appropriately evaluated. It is helpful to understand the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist when exploring these options. There are several options available to discuss further, but here are some of the procedures we recommend if you are looking for a permanent solution:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPP
- Nasal Surgery
- Soft Palate Implants
- Hyoid Advancement
- Tongue Surgery
- Jaw Surgery
In some cases, jaw or facial procedures may also be needed after injury, and the same specialists who correct sleep apnea often perform procedures to treat facial trauma.
- Tracheostomy
Considering the health concerns sleep apnea can cause, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to get treated sooner than you think, and choosing an experienced oral surgeon in St. George and Mesquite can help you pursue the most effective care. In some cases, CPAP machines and other non-surgical treatments do not provide enough relief, and MMA jaw surgery can be an effective surgical option for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, especially for patients seeking oral surgery in Mesquite, NV. For many patients, the benefits include better sleep quality, less fatigue and daytime sleepiness, more energy, and meaningful improvement in daily life, and these outcomes are supported by access to comprehensive oral surgery in St. George, UT. That said, consult Dr. Davis at Utah Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to determine if oral surgery is the best option for you, and explore how our team provides compassionate care for families, including pediatric oral and facial surgery when necessary, as well as the trusted expertise highlighted when you meet Dr. Prince and our surgical team!