Sleep Apnea Treatment
Poor sleep affects everything — your energy, focus, mood, and eventually, even your cardiovascular health. For many people, the root cause is obstructive sleep apnea. An oral surgeon is uniquely positioned to address it, because the structure of your jaw and airway is often at the center of the problem.
Schedule a ConsultationRecognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t always look the way people expect. If you’ve ever experienced one or more of the following, you may want to consider getting evaluated for sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for air
- Persistent morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained daytime fatigue
The condition is frequently tied to jaw structure and airway anatomy. When the lower jaw sits too far back, or when excess soft tissue narrows the upper airway, the throat can collapse during sleep in ways that disrupt breathing repeatedly throughout the night — often without you being fully aware it’s happening.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying anatomy driving it. Options range from conservative to surgical, and there are many patients who benefit from a combination of approaches.
Non-surgical options include CPAP therapy, which delivers continuous air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep, and custom oral appliances that reposition the jaw to maintain an open airway. These are effective for some patients.
When anatomy is the primary driver and non-surgical approaches haven’t provided relief, surgical intervention may be the more appropriate path. Procedures our surgeons perform include:
- Maxillomandibular Advancement: Repositions the upper and lower jaw forward to expand the airway
- Genioglossus Advancement: Tightens the tongue attachment to reduce airway collapse
- Tissue Removal Procedures: To address excess soft tissue obstructing the throat
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your first visit begins with a thorough review of your symptoms, health history, and any prior sleep study results. If a formal sleep study hasn’t been completed, your surgeon may refer you to establish the severity of your condition before recommending a treatment path.
From there, 3D imaging is used to assess your airway, jaw structure, and the specific anatomy contributing to obstruction. That information shapes a treatment plan built around your individual situation — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
You Deserve a Restful Night’s Sleep
Untreated sleep apnea carries real long-term consequences. If you’ve been managing symptoms without resolution, or if you’ve struggled with a CPAP, a surgical evaluation may create options you haven’t considered. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward relief.
Schedule a ConsultationCommon Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical options haven’t been successful, or when imaging reveals an anatomical issue that appliances or CPAP cannot fully address. Your surgeon will evaluate both the severity of your condition and the structural factors involved before making any recommendations. Many patients find that a combined approach works best.
Maxillomandibular advancement, or MMA, is a surgical procedure that moves both the upper and lower jaw forward to physically enlarge the airway. It is one of the most effective surgical interventions available for obstructive sleep apnea, with strong long-term outcomes for appropriately selected patients. Your surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate based on your anatomy and the specifics of your condition.
That depends on the procedure performed and your individual response to treatment. Some patients can discontinue CPAP use after surgical intervention; others may still benefit from it at a reduced pressure. A follow-up sleep study after recovery is typically used to assess outcomes and guide the next steps. Your surgeon will set clear expectations in advance.
Meet Our Surgeons
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons brings decades of combined experience and a shared commitment to individualized patient-centered care.
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