New Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that disrupts sleep and lowers oxygen levels in the brain. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airflow in the back of the throat is compromised, often when the tongue falls back or is sucked against the back of the throat when sleeping. When the upper airway is fully or partially blocked, airflow can stop or be severely limited. When oxygen levels in the brain drop too low, the sleeper wakes with a start or loud gasp, restarting breathing. This repeated cycle of decreased oxygen and continual waking and sleeping leads to cardiovascular problems, insufficient restful sleep, depression, inability to concentrate, exhaustion, risk of stroke and pulmonary hypertension (a problem that limits blood flow to the heart and proper oxygenation of the blood).
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The causes of sleep apnea are often complex and can be attributed to a combination of things. There are 3 types of sleep apnea – Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea and Mixed Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when something physically blocks your airway. Central Sleep Apnea is caused by a problem with the brain sending signals to your muscles to breathe. Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea.
However, some of the most common causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include:
- Short lower jaws resulting in a smaller airway
- Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or uvula that partially block the airway while you are asleep.
- Damaged or weakened throat muscles. These may be due to certain medical conditions or medications.
- Chronic sinus infections that make it difficult to breathe through your nose.
- Obesity leading to fat deposits blocking or narrowing the upper airway.
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea, as can a genetic predisposition.
- Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
There are various sleep apnea treatments available. The most common is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which forces oxygen into the airway via a mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth when sleeping. While this can be highly effective, it does not work for everyone, and some patients find it intolerable to wear it at night. It is also cumbersome and can be noisy and uncomfortable.
Other options include various types of oral appliances to hold the tongue in place and out of the airway and electronic stimulation devices implanted under the skin to trigger breathing when the airway is temporarily blocked.
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How We Treat Sleep Apnea
New sleep apnea treatments are always evolving to improve patients’ quality of life. AZ Oral, Facial, and Implant Surgery offers surgical solutions that can correct the root causes of sleep apnea rather than simply masking the symptoms. These surgical solutions have shown promising results, offering hope for those struggling with sleep apnea.
Uvulo-Palato-Pharyngo-Plasty (UPPP)
This surgical procedure is performed in the back of the throat to remove excess tissue in the soft palate, including portions of the uvula and pharynx that may be blocking the airway. UPPP surgery is performed by an Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. UPPP is usually successful for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea that have a higher level of obstruction near the soft palate and uvula.
Laser Assisted Uvulo-Palato-Plasty (LAUPP)
Similar to UPPP surgery, LAUPP surgery removes excess tissue using laser technology, minimizing bleeding and downtime and eliminating the need for sutures. LAUPP surgery is performed by an Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. and is usually reserved for mild sleep apnea and snoring.
Orthognathic Surgery
Moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea may require repositioning a portion of the jawbone, moving it forward, or repositioning a section to widen the upper airway. If orthognathic surgery is needed to treat sleep apnea, it will be performed in an ambulatory surgery center setting under general anesthesia. Jaw surgery is an outpatient surgery that requires an overnight stay in the outpatient surgery center.
Why Choose Us?
Dr. Shah is a rarity in oral surgery – he is a dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and a medical doctor. This intensive training required a 6-year hospital based residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery to make him an expert on the anatomy of the face, skull, neck, and throat and how their muscles and soft tissues interact. He is uniquely qualified to treat patients with sleep apnea because of his in-depth knowledge of all the structures involved. His compassion and dedication to patient comfort make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for his patients.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have struggled with CPAP therapy, contact AZ Oral, Facial, and Implant Surgery at Chandler Location Phone Number 480-814-9500 to schedule a consultation.
Call us Chandler Location Phone Number 480-814-9500 or schedule an appointment with our practice.