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Sleep Apnea Surgery: When Nothing Else Works

Sleep apnea surgery is the treatment of last resort for people with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep disorders who have not found relief from other sleep apnea treatments. When it comes to surgery for sleep apnea, information is key.

In OSA, the airways become obstructed and cause the person to skip breaths and gasp for air. If methods such as lifestyle changes, CPAP machines, and oral appliance therapy are not successful in treating sleep apnea, then sleep apnea physicians may recommend sleep apnea surgery.

There are many parts of the airway (the breathing tubes) that can be obstructed. For sleep apnea surgery to be successful, the sleep apnea dentist or sleep apnea physician must identify and treat all areas with obstructions. For some patients, this may require more than one surgical procedure.

Here is an overview of the different types of sleep apnea surgery:

Maxillomandibular Advancement: This is a type of orthognathic surgery that moves the jaw forward (the same principle behind sleep apnea oral appliance therapy). Also known as bimaxillary advancement (Bi-Max) or maxillomandibular osteotomy (MMO), it's often accompanied by tongue surgery.

Tracheotomy: This is a procedure in which a sleep apnea surgeon creates a new "breathing hole" in the throat. Patients breathe and speak normally during the day, but at night they breathe through the tracheotomy tube in their windpipe. It's a dramatic procedure, but one that's certain to provide relief.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: Known as a UPPP or UP3, this is a procedure in which soft tissue is surgically removed from the back of the mouth and throat. The tonsils and uvula are removed, leaving the patient with a "bigger" throat that makes breathing easier. Laser-assisted UP (LAUP) uses a laser to provide similar results. Unfortunately, these procedures are not always successful.

Tongue Reduction: Reducing the size of the tongue can leave more space in the throat and airway. This may be a surgical glossectomy or somnoplasty.

Tongue Advancement: Surgery that pulls the tongue and its muscles toward the front of the mouth. Known as genioglossus and hyoid advancement (GGA), this procedure leaves more space for breathing in the back of the mouth and throat. It is most often done in conjunction with other treatment or surgery.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: This surgery removes the tonsils and adenoids, making more space in the throat for breathing. It is especially useful in treating children's sleep apnea.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Snore No More with Sleep Apnea Treatment

A snore is not a pleasant sound, especially not if it wakes you up in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, snoring is a fairly common problem. It's estimated that perhaps about a quarter of people snore, and older people are even more likely to snore.

Snoring is more than just a loud, rumbling noise; it's a sign that something else might be wrong. A snorer might have a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, where the breathing tubes can become obstructed during sleep, costing the brain oxygen. Though snoring is not dangerous is and of itself, sleep apnea has been linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

Snoring is associated with higher risks of developing certain diseases and health problems. People who snore are statistically more likely to suffer heart attacks or stroke. It's also been shown that snoring treatment can improve the marital relationship between husband and wife!

To cure snoring, a sleep doctor or dentist needs to know what's causing the snores. If it's sleep apnea, the patient can be given a sleep apnea treatment such as a CPAP breathing mask to wear at night. In addition to curing snoring, sleep apnea therapy can also leave a patient happier and healthier overall.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.