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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.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Help You Sleep Better

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. There are several types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is by far the most common type of sleep apnea. In this sleep disorder, the airway sometimes is obstructed during sleep. The person tries to inhale, but is not able to get any oxygen because the breathing passages are blocked.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed when a sleeping person stops breathing for ten seconds or more. Each episode is termed an apnea, and people with sleep apnea will have multiple apneas each night. However, since sleep apneas happen when one sleeps, it's hard to self-diagnose. You may not feel rested when you wake and you may be sleepy during the day without knowing why.

Sleep doctors, sleep centers and sleep studies can be part of the process of diagnosing sleep apnea. In other cases, a spouse's report of the patient's sleeping patterns may be enough. Some people seek out a sleep specialist to learn how to sleep better, whereas others see their family dentist for sleep apnea therapy.

Patients have a range of options when it comes to sleep apnea treatments. The most popular of these is a CPAP mask that provides continuous positive air pressure all night long to make breathing easier. However, splint therapy is an attractive option for patients who would rather wear a night guard than a sleep mask. Sleep apnea surgery is a therapy of last resort for people with severe sleep apnea.

People with mild sleep apnea symptoms may be able to effectively treat the sleep disorder with some simple lifestyle changes. These include doing breathing exercises, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and sleeping on one's side, in an inclined position, or with a sleep apnea pillow.

+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.