Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This occurs when a blockage is formed to prevent taking in air, causing the inflicted person to gasp or awaken to restore breathing. Sleep apnea can impact the quality of sleep and can cause a higher risk for stroke and other serious health conditions. At Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we offer sleep apnea treatment for those with OSA caused by oral issues or misalignments.
There are many possible causes and treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Those who are overweight can be at higher risk for this disorder, with blockages caused by fatty tissue. A bite misalignment can allow the tongue to fall backward, covering the airway. Often, a nightguard or CPAP machine will be used for treating sleep apnea.
When the blockage is caused by a restricted airway from excess tissue or bone alignment, oral surgery may be required. Uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP) can be performed to remove excess tissue, or jaw surgery can reposition the jaw or bones to open the airway. Oral surgery is usually reserved for those who do not obtain relief through conservative sleep apnea treatments.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Often, it is not the patient that first notices the symptoms of sleep apnea, it is their sleep partner. Snoring and gasping are common symptoms of sleep apnea, which can be disturbing for others nearby. However, those noises are signs of airway blockages that cause the person to partially or completely awake out of REM sleep. This lack of rest can cause fatigue, even after sleeping for several hours.