Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the palate and/or tongue fall backwards during sleep, blocking the airway. When breathing stops (apnea), the brain must awake to resume breathing. Sleep apnea patients will then snore, and can appear to be struggling to breath for several seconds or more. Of course, by being awakened every few minutes, we don't get enough real sleep at night causing daytime sleepiness. Other side effects include stresses on the heart and lung system, and can even lead to early death
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are sometimes involved in the management of obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study is performed by a sleep doctor. If indicated, a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon might be requested.
Drs. Bradford, Ingalls, Kean, and Parker will evaluate you by looking at your jaw structure, palate, and tongue. They will also evaluate x-rays of your jaws and airway.
Obstructive sleep apnea may be treated medically or surgically. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can often perform jaw surgery to eliminate or significantly reduce obstructive sleep apnea. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or have loud snoring and daytime sleepiness, please contact your physician or our office for an evaluation.
