Do you find yourself waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Do you snore loudly or experience pauses in breathing while sleeping? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects your ability to breathe properly throughout the night. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of health issues, but there’s good news—effective treatments are available. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall specialize in surgical solutions for sleep apnea, helping patients in El Paso sleep better and improve their overall health.
In this blog, we’ll explore what sleep apnea is, why treatment is so important, and how oral surgery can offer a long-term solution to this common condition.
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking your airway. This causes interruptions in breathing, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute, often jolting you awake—sometimes without you even realizing it.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also contribute to poor concentration, mood changes, and chronic fatigue, impacting your daily life and well-being.
While many patients with sleep apnea are successfully treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, others may not tolerate the machine or find it uncomfortable to use. For those individuals, oral surgery may offer a permanent solution by addressing the root cause of their condition—physical obstructions in the airway.
At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we offer advanced surgical treatments for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, tailored to each individual’s needs. Here are some of the surgical options available:
UPPP is one of the most common surgical procedures to treat sleep apnea. During this surgery, excess tissue from the throat, soft palate, and uvula (the small, finger-shaped tissue at the back of the throat) is removed to enlarge the airway. This reduces the risk of airway collapse during sleep, allowing for easier breathing and better oxygen flow.
In some cases, the tongue muscles relax too much during sleep, causing airway obstruction. Genioglossus advancement is a procedure that repositions the tongue muscle attachment, pulling it forward to prevent it from collapsing into the airway. This can significantly reduce breathing interruptions caused by obstructive sleep apnea.
MMA is a more complex surgical procedure that involves moving the upper and lower jaw forward to enlarge the space behind the tongue and soft palate. This creates a larger airway and improves airflow during sleep. MMA is often recommended for patients with more severe cases of sleep apnea who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
For some patients, nasal obstructions contribute to their sleep apnea. Surgical procedures to correct a deviated septum, remove nasal polyps, or widen the nasal passages can improve airflow and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Surgical treatment for sleep apnea can provide long-term relief and significantly improve your quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits:
If you and your doctor decide that surgery is the best treatment option for your sleep apnea, the first step will be a comprehensive consultation at Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery. Dr. DuVernois or Dr. Marshall will assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and discuss your treatment goals. We’ll also explain the procedure in detail, ensuring you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Most sleep apnea surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, ensuring a painless experience during the procedure. Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery, but most patients can return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks. During the recovery period, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth healing process.
Not every patient with sleep apnea requires surgery. Surgery is typically considered for individuals who:
If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate for sleep apnea surgery, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll carefully assess your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
If sleep apnea is affecting your quality of life, it’s time to take control of your health and explore your treatment options. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall are experts in providing advanced surgical treatments for sleep apnea, helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
