Oral Surgery

When Is Oral Surgery for Sleep Apnea Recommended?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and starts again while asleep and can be treated by oral surgery. It affects more than 200,000 people in the United States each year. A minor case of sleep apnea can often be treated through lifestyle changes and a dental night guard. However, oral surgery for sleep apnea is also an option for more severe cases. 

Oral surgery and sleep apnea

Oral surgery for sleep apnea is not as intimidating as it may sound. Learning more about the process of sleep apnea surgery and what the potential benefits are can help you decide if the treatment is a good option for you. The following is a complete review of how a dentist can help patients with severe sleep apnea through oral surgery treatment. 

What is oral surgery for sleep apnea?

Oral surgery is a form of sleep apnea treatment. The goal of oral surgery for sleep apnea is to allow the patient to breathe better while they are asleep. There are several different methods of achieving this goal. Oral surgery is not required for all cases of sleep apnea. 

In fact, many are able to find relief by simply making lifestyle changes and through the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device or dental nightguard for sleep apnea. However, those who are unable to get a good night’s sleep when wearing a device or find the devices to be ineffective may make a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment. 

When to consider oral surgery for sleep apnea

As mentioned, oral surgery for sleep apnea is worth considering for anyone who is not happy with their current treatment plan, either because the results thus far have been unsuccessful or they prefer not to wear a dental device while they sleep. Patients should also discuss the potential risks of oral surgery for sleep apnea with their dentist before making a final decision, along with considering all available treatment options. 

Different types of sleep apnea surgery

Dentists may recommend one of several different types of sleep apnea surgeries, depending on the exact concern that the patient has. Several common types of sleep apnea surgery include: 

  • UPPP
  • Nasal surgery
  • Hyoid suspension
  • Palatal implants
  • Tongue advancement

Most patients are unfamiliar with each type, so it is helpful to discuss all available options and become well informed on the recommended procedure before starting treatment. 

What to expect during oral surgery

The patient’s overall experience is dictated by the specific type of oral surgery and the issue that they seek to address. In most cases, the surgical process itself is not painful, but there is a recovery period following the oral surgery. The dentist should provide clear preparation, day of procedure and aftercare instructions to help guide the patient through sleep apnea oral surgery. 

Schedule a consultation visit with our friendly team

We understand that oral surgery can cause anxiety in many patients, and our friendly team can help you calm your nerves by providing answers to your questions and guiding you through each step of the treatment process.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign For Teens

As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…

How Gum Disease Treatment Restores Oral Health And Confidence

Gum disease is a common yet serious oral health issue that can cause discomfort, damage, and even tooth loss if left untreated. With the right gum disease treatment, patients can not only stop the infection in its tracks but also restore the patient's overall oral health. Knowing the true impact of gum disease and how…

Invisalign Can Straighten A Teen’s Teeth

A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. Clear aligners are available for both adults and teenagers who are interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and improving the appearance of their smiles. The aligners are not visible in the mouth and do not have metal components that can irritate sensitive…

Invisalign For Teens: What You Should Know

If you are a teenager whose dentist recommends Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may wonder what the product is. Many dentists advise Invisalign® for teens as a discreet and reliable method of treating crooked teeth. However, you may only be familiar with traditional braces. Invisalign is a different way to fix malocclusions or imperfect…

Chesterfield Dentist

Share
Published by
Chesterfield Dentist

Recent Posts

Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign for Teens

As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there…

2 days ago

How Gum Disease Treatment Restores Oral Health and Confidence

Gum disease is a common yet serious oral health issue that can cause discomfort, damage,…

1 week ago

Invisalign Can Straighten a Teen’s Teeth

A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. Clear aligners are available…

1 week ago

Invisalign for Teens: What You Should Know

If you are a teenager whose dentist recommends Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may…

2 weeks ago

Invisalign: Maintaining a Healthy Smile Throughout the Process

Orthodontic treatment has evolved significantly, with Invisalign® offering a discreet and convenient way to straighten…

3 weeks ago

Invisalign for Teens: What Foods to Avoid

Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens…

4 weeks ago