Sleep Apnea

Using oral surgery to help sleep apnea seeks to remove the excess tissue in the throat that is vibrating and blocking the upper air passages. One surgical procedure is an Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This procedure involves removing the excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat. This procedure in performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Maxillomandibular advancement is another type of procedure used to assist with sleep apnea. This procedure involves the upper and lower part of the jaw. In this procedure, the jaw is moved forward from the rest of the facial bones. This allows more room behind the soft palate, thereby reducing the obstruction. Finally a Tracheostomy is a last ditch effort when other treatments have failed. This involves the surgeon inserting a tube in your throat so you can breathe. It is covered during the day, but opens at night while you sleep. All of the aforementioned surgeries are routine and very safe.

	SUFFERING FROM SLEEP APNEA? Do you snore loudly each night? Do you have frequent pauses in breathing while you sleep (you stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer)? Do you have headaches in the morning? Are you very tired or sleepy during the day? Do you fall asleep easily during the day?
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
Snoring Nightmares Restless Sleep Sleep Issues Awakening with a very dry or sore throat Dark Circle Under Eyes ADD/ADHD Difficulty at Work or School Chronic Allergies Mouth Breathing Frequent morning headaches Daytime Drowsiness Aggressive Behavior Overbite/Overjet Crowded Teeth Personality changes Irritability Bed Wetting (Mostly in Children and Teens) Delayed Growth (Mostly in Children and Teens)	9 OUT OF 10 EXHIBIT SLEEP-RELATED BREATHING DISORDER SYMPTOMS
We Are Educators While maintaining a full time practice, our doctors educate our patients on sleep apnea and how this disease can be treated in our dental office.	Insurance Assistance We will work with your medical insurance carrier to maximize your insurance benefits.