WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ALLEVIATE SLEEP APNEA?
Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea. Many of them do not even realize it happens. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for periods of time while they sleep. There are different reasons that this can happen and because of that, there are different ways to deal with it.
Many people turn to devices that help keep their airway open while they sleep. This requires them to do something every night before they sleep. Some people want an option that resolves the problem without the devices. That is where an oral surgeon may help.
Turning to Surgery
The decision to look for a surgical option for sleep apnea is not an easy one to make. There are risks involved with any type of surgery. There is also the chance that the surgery will not help or will make the problem worse. That is why a person needs to make sure that surgery is the best option.
A person that has tried the different devices without success may look at surgery as their last chance. There are also people who struggle to remember to use the device or do not feel comfortable enough to sleep with the device in place. For these people turning to surgery is often the best way to go.
Types of Surgery
There are several different types of surgery to choose from to help with sleep apnea. Part of the choice depends on the causes of the sleep apnea. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a procedure that can remove some of the excess tissue on the soft palate that blocks the airway. Maxillomandibular osteotomy and advancement involves moving the position of the upper and lower jaw to help with the flow of air.
Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction can reduce the tissue that is close to the throat.
Almost all the surgical procedures involve adjusting something in the mouth or throat to help keep the airway open and clear while you sleep. It is best to talk to our oral surgeon to help determine what type of surgery will help with your sleep apnea.
Contact our office for more information about this or any other oral health issue and to schedule an appointment.
