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 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.
There are several treatment options available including dental anti-snoring appliances such as "Silent Nite". 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. We can also perform a "Pilliar Procedure" To learn more about this procedure, Click here.
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.
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Bass Oral Surgery Associates • Oral Surgeon, Russell K. Bass, DDS
Board Certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Frisco Oral Surgery • 6960 Parkwood Drive, Suite 300 • Frisco, Tx 75034 • Phone: 972-712-2288 • Fax: 972-712-2289
Coppell Oral Surgery Office • 220 S. Denton Tap Road, Suite 101 • Coppell, Tx 75019 • Phone: 972-393-6880 • Fax: 972-304-9341
Dr. Russell K. Bass your Texas Oral Surgeon providing Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery including Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth Removal, Jaw Surgery and Facial Cosmetic Surgery including Facial Liposuction, Botox®, Restylane, Perlane and Chemical Peels.
Dr. Russell K. Bass your Texas Oral Surgeon serving the areas of Frisco TX, Coppell TX, Plano TX, Carrollton TX, Lewisville TX, Flower Mound TX, The Colony TX,
Prosper TX, Celina TX, Irving TX, Grapevine TX, McKinney TX, Addison TX and Farmers Branch TX.
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