Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a relatively common, and potentially serious disorder, where the airways are blocked during sleep enough to cause breathing to stop. When this happens, the brain comes out of its resting state to send impulses to the person to wake up just enough to start the breathing process again. This cycle can repeat many times during the night and can impact your health in many ways. This video explains the process in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dXEgVK-fF4. Risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Children as well as adults can also be affected.
The good news is that OSA can be effectively treated. For some patients, orthognathic surgery is a viable alternative. Our oral surgeons have the experience and training to perform surgical procedures that can correct facial problems that result in OSA. These procedures include:
- UPPP, or Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which partially removes the uvula to shorten and stiffen the soft palate.
- Hyoid Suspension, which secures the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage, thereby stabilizing the airway (located above the Adam’s apple).
- GGA, or Genioglossus Advancement, which tightens the front tongue tendon, reducing the degree of tongue displacement in the throat
- MMA, or Maxillomandibular Advancement, which surgically moves the upper and lower jaws forward, along with the soft tissues of the tongue and palate, to open the airway.
If you have a problem with OSA, you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery. Phone any of our office locations if you have questions, or would like to schedule an evaluative consultation.