Sleep Apnea Treatment

Restore Better Sleep and Better Health

Noninvasive treatments such as changes in lifestyle or the use of a CPAP machine can sometimes treat sleep apnea successfully. When those methods don't work, your surgeon can perform a surgical procedure to clear your airway.

Boulder Oral Surgery performs a wide scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery treatments for patients in the greater Boulder, Colorado, area, including the surgical treatment of sleep apnea. We provide convenient access for our patients to receive the care they have come to know and expect from us. If you have been referred for the surgical treatment of your sleep apnea, we encourage you to give us a call to schedule an appointment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is impaired to the point of stopping during sleep. An estimated 12 million Americans are affected by this serious but common condition. These pauses in breathing, called apneas, may last a few seconds or a few minutes. Sleep apnea may also include shallow breaths during sleep. The affected person may not be aware that they have sleep apnea, although they may feel very tired during the day despite thinking they have gotten a good night’s sleep.

Common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:

• Snoring loudly
• A gasping or choking sensation upon awakening
• Restless sleep patterns
• Insomnia
• Sore or dry throat in the morning
• Headaches in the morning
• Fatigue or sleepiness during the day despite a full night’s rest

Surgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea

A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, can confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a personalized treatment plan will be created just for you. Patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea may benefit from conservative treatments, such as changes in lifestyle behaviors, the use of a CPAP machine, or a dental device to keep the airway open during sleep. For patients where these treatments fail to work, or in patients with severe sleep apnea, surgical correction may be the right option.

The surgical treatment of sleep apnea depends on many factors. You may qualify for the surgical treatment of sleep apnea if:

• Lifestyle changes fail to correct the issue. Lifestyle changes may include weight loss, smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, or side sleeping.
• CPAP machines are uncomfortable to wear or ineffective.
• Mouthpieces cause pain or discomfort.

In general, the surgical treatment of sleep apnea involves repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw to widen the breathing passages. When you come to Boulder Oral Surgery to discuss your sleep apnea, your oral surgeon will review your condition and formulate the best treatment method. This procedure may be performed in our practice or hospital.