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.

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.

In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometric (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.

There are several treatment options available.

An initial treatment may consist of using a CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. Also, in mild cases, your family dentist may be able to provide you with a Mandibular Repositioning Device that you wear while you sleep. This device can temporarily increase the size of the airway while you sleep.

Historically, an initial surgical option 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 are usually performed by an Otolaryngologist or an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that these procedures sometimes do not have lasting effects and patients may relapse back into their Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

For more advanced cases a Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement is performed to increase the size of the airway. In this procedure, the bones of the upper and lower jaw are repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two night hospital stay. Patients who receive this treatment typically see significant improvement in their OSA and have more stable results long-term.

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