Sleep Apnea

Breathe Better. Sleep Deeper. Live Healthier.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupts breathing during sleep—often without the person knowing. When the airway becomes blocked, breathing temporarily stops, oxygen levels drop, and the brain briefly wakes the body with a gasp. This cycle can repeat hundreds of times each night.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

People with OSA or the milder Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) often experience:

Loud snoring or gasping

Restless sleep

Morning headaches

Daytime fatigue

Difficulty concentrating

Mood changes or depression

Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Diagnosis

The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.

In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.

Treatment Options

Treatment is based on the severity of the condition and individual anatomy:

Treatments

Treatment for sleep apnea can vary based on your needs. Initial therapy may involve a CPAP machine, which delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.

Surgical options include procedures to tighten or reshape the soft palate—such as UPPP, LAUPP (laser-assisted), or radio-frequency treatment—typically performed under light IV sedation in our office.

For more complex cases, jaw repositioning surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be recommended to enlarge the airway. This procedure is done in a hospital under general anesthesia, usually requiring a short overnight stay.