Sleep Apnea | Salt Lake City

Call today to schedule an appointment or with any questions: Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah SLC Office Phone Number 801-262-7447

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.

Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.

Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.

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

Diagnosis

In addition to a detailed history, our practice will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region utilizing state of the are cone beam technology and analysis software to 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.

OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove excess tissue from your nose or throat that may be vibrating and causing you to snore, or that may be blocking your upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. Surgical options may include:

Maxillomandibular advancement. In this procedure, your jaws are moved forward from the remainder of your face bones.

This enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely.  This procedure serves as the most effective surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

It is performed on patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea as the only treatment, or when other procedures have failed. It is also performed in patients with significant jaw deformity that contributes to obstructive sleep apnea.

Genioglossal Advancement.  In this procedure only a portion of your jaw is moved forward advancing a small bony attachment of muscles supporting your tongue and upper airway.  This is an effective procedure utilized for mild to moderate sleep apnea or in conjunction with maxillomandibular advancement.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). During this procedure, your doctor removes tissue from the rear of your mouth and top of your throat.

Your tonsils and adenoids usually are removed as well. This type of surgery may be successful in stopping throat structures from vibrating and causing snoring.

However, it may be less successful in treating sleep apnea because tissue farther down your throat may still block your air passage. UPPP usually is performed in a hospital and requires a general anesthetic.

Tracheostomy. You may need this form of surgery if other treatments have failed and you have severe, life-threatening sleep apnea.

In this procedure, your surgeon makes an opening in your neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube through which you breathe. You keep the opening covered during the day. But at night you uncover it to allow air to pass in and out of your lungs, bypassing the blocked air passage in your throat.



Get The Restful Sleep You Deserve

Call us: 801-262-7447