Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of people, causing disruptive breathing patterns while sleeping. This form of sleep apnea involves an obstruction, usually the tongue, that blocks the airway passage. This can stop oxygen intake, causing the person to gasp for air. Snoring is also a common side effect of OSA. This health disorder can cause oxygen deprivation, exhaustion and many other issues, even death. At Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists, we offer effective oral treatments for OSA to help improve the health and well-being of our patients.

OSA has many different treatment options. Some people who suffer from this condition can use a CPAP machine or customized oral appliances to receive relief. However, in more critical cases, surgery can be required. Oral surgeries for sleep apnea can include uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP) that can remove tissues that impact obstruction in the back of the throat. Other options for serious cases of OSA can include orthognathic surgery, which repositions the bones in the upper and lower jaw to increase the size of the airway.

Relief from Snoring and Teeth Grinding

Surgical intervention for sleep apnea can help relieve nocturnal problems like snoring. Snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea. Once effective treatment opens the airway, snoring is often stopped or quieted.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is not related to sleep apnea, but it can also be a disruptive and damaging nocturnal occurrence. The grinding and clenching of the jaw while sleeping can cause tooth and jaw joint damage, as well as be disturbing to sleep partners. Treatment usually consists of wearing a dental nightguard. In some cases, jaw realignment can be used to treat teeth grinding.

If you suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, there are surgical options to protect your health. Contact us today and come in for a sleep apnea consultation to learn more about the treatment options we have available at Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists.