Sleep Apnea Treatment

About Sleep Apnea

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. 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.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation that can lead to very serious cardiovascular problems,
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness,
  • depression,
  • loss of concentration.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

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.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

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.

CPAP Machines

There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures usually performed under light IV sedation in the office.

Jaw Surgery

In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two day overnight stay in the hospital.

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

Think you have Sleep Apnea?
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Facial Surgery Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 214 Sleep Apnea reviews

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Overall very good first surgery experience! They even call to make sure you’re feeling okay afterwards!

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Shout out to Monica for keeping the vibes chill before the procedure began!

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Excellent care

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Great place

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Courties services

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Patient Review by Sierra R

Excellent experience. Very friendly staff and doctor. Very clean office. My girls were very comfortable and treated kindly. I would highly recommend for all children and adults. Thank you for taking care of my girls.

- Sierra R

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I had a great experience!

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Patient Review by Mauro G

Great experience from the moment one arrives. Felt very comfortable while there. They even called me at home a few hours later to see how i was doing. Definitely recommend!

- Mauro G

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Couldn't have asked for this expire nice to be any better. felt very cared for.

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Appreciate everything everyone did for me. This experience has been easy.

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Patient Review by Fox F

The best experience I've ever had you will never feel a thing I wish I wouldn't have waited so long!

- Fox F

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Patient Review by Kalie W.

I have never had any type of surgery before, so going to get my wisdom teeth out was scary for me! Dr. Bowman and his staff made me feel comfortable while I was there. Afterwards, a staff member called to check on me. The next day (Saturday) Dr. Bowman himself called to check on me. Caring staff.

- Kalie W.

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Patient Review by John D

Enjoyable

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Patient Review by Kendra W

Dr. Bowman is the best. He answered all questions. He talked us threw the whole procedure. He really truly cares about his patients.

- Kendra W

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Patient Review by Jamy P

They called and checked up on my daughter the day of her procedure. The doctor called a few days later himself and answered all my questions.

- Jamy P

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Patient Review by Cynthia O

Very positive experience! Would definitely recommend this office to others!

- Cynthia O

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Patient Review by Tanner R

I was referred here by my dentist. Had my consultation and surgery the same day. They called that evening and the next day to check in on me. Would recommend.

- Tanner R

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Patient Review by Kenzi T

The staff was very friendly, and it meant a lot that the doctor called to check on me the next day. I got along great after surgery and had no issues!

- Kenzi T

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Patient Review by Jacie L

Great experience and the doctor even called me on a Saturday to check on me.

- Jacie L

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