Sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder that affects your ability to breathe properly while sleeping. While many patients find relief with non-surgical treatments such as CPAP machines or oral appliances, some individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea may require surgical intervention. At Mt Pleasant Dentist, we believe in educating our patients about all their options including sleep apnea surgery so they can make informed decisions about their health and quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles in the throat relax too much, narrowing or closing off the airway.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
The risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even depression can rise if sleep apnea is not treated.
When Is Surgery Considered for Sleep Apnea?
At Mt Pleasant Dentist, we prioritize conservative, non-invasive treatments for sleep apnea first such as oral appliances or lifestyle changes. However, sleep apnea surgery may be recommended if:
- Non-surgical treatments have failed or are poorly tolerated
- The patient has anatomical issues (e.g., enlarged tonsils, deviated septum)
- There is a need to remove or reposition tissues blocking the airway
- Severe sleep apnea poses immediate health risks
In some cases, surgery may offer a long-term solution and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing therapy.
Types of Sleep Apnea Surgery
There are several surgical options depending on the underlying cause of your airway obstruction. Here are the most commonly performed procedures:
1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
UPPP is one of the most well-known procedures for sleep apnea. It involves removing excess tissue from the back of the throat, such as the uvula, part of the soft palate, and sometimes the tonsils. This helps widen the airway and reduce obstruction during sleep.
2. Genioglossus Advancement (GA)
This procedure moves the main tongue muscle attachment forward to prevent the tongue from collapsing back and blocking the airway.
3. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
The upper and lower jawbones are shifted forward in MMA, a more intricate procedure, to increase the area behind the tongue and soft palate. Patients with severe sleep apnea or craniofacial anomalies benefit greatly from it.
4. Septoplasty or Turbinate Reduction
If a deviated nasal septum or swollen nasal turbinates are causing breathing difficulties, correcting them surgically can significantly improve airflow and reduce apnea episodes.
5. Inspire Therapy (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation)
A relatively newer, minimally invasive option, Inspire therapy involves implanting a small device in the chest that stimulates the tongue muscles to prevent airway collapse during sleep.
6. Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy
In children and some adults, enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be the primary cause of airway obstruction. Removing them can provide significant relief.
Pros and Cons of Sleep Apnea Surgery
Like all medical procedures, sleep apnea surgery comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks.
Pros:
- Offers a permanent solution in some cases
- Minimizes or gets rid of reliance on oral appliances or CPAP
- Can dramatically enhance health and quality of life.
- May resolve underlying anatomical issues
Cons:
- Involves recovery time and potential discomfort
- May not work for all patients or fully eliminate apnea
- Risks vary depending on the procedure (infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks)
- Some surgeries may require revision or follow-up procedures
At Mt Pleasant Dentist, we work closely with ENT specialists and sleep surgeons to determine if surgery is right for you.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
If you are being considered for sleep apnea surgery, a comprehensive evaluation will be done, including imaging and possibly a sleep study. Your medical history, symptoms, and anatomical structure will be reviewed to determine the best approach.
Before surgery, you may be advised to:
- Stop smoking
- Avoid alcohol or sedatives
- Manage any coexisting medical conditions
After surgery, patients can expect:
- Some swelling, discomfort, or soreness depending on the procedure
- Dietary restrictions for a few days or weeks
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and effectiveness
- A post-op sleep study to assess results
Most patients begin to notice improvements in sleep quality and daytime energy within weeks of healing.
Is Sleep Apnea Surgery Right for You?
If you’ve tried CPAP therapy or dental appliances without success, and you’re still struggling with sleep apnea symptoms, surgery may be worth considering. It’s especially beneficial if your condition is caused by anatomical blockages that can be corrected.
At Mt Pleasant Dentist, we’ll guide you through every step from evaluation to diagnosis, treatment planning, and aftercare. While we don’t perform the surgery in our office, we can refer you to trusted specialists and provide ongoing support with oral appliance therapy and monitoring.
Take Control of Your Sleep and Your Health
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring it’s a serious condition that can affect your heart, brain, and overall well-being. Whether you’re exploring oral appliances or considering sleep apnea surgery, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Let Mt Pleasant Dentist be your partner in better sleep and better health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
Mt Pleasant Dentist
https://www.mtpleasantdentist.com
Careful Attention, Cutting-Edge Solutions Here’s Where Your Sleep Improvement Journey Begins.
