Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring can be more than just a nuisance during sleep. It can also be a symptom of a serious medical condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly start and stop during sleep, and if left untreated, it can lead to significant health complications.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in the surgical treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. As a board-certified oral surgeon and physician, Dr. Holtzen can diagnose airway problems and provide effective treatment for sleep apnea, helping you achieve a healthy and restful night's sleep.

If you're dealing with obstructive sleep apnea and want to explore your treatment options, contact Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery. We will assess your oral health and sleep apnea concerns, discuss potential treatment options, and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your overall health.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This occurs when there is an obstruction in the airway, causing disruptions in airflow during sleep. Obstructions can be caused by the tongue falling back into the throat, inflammation of the airway, or fatty deposits.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This happens when the brain fails to send signals for the body to breathe normally.

Some individuals may experience either OSA or CSA, while others may have a combination of both. Obstructive sleep apnea can range in severity from mild to severe. Even in mild cases, it is recommended to undergo an evaluation to assess the airway and explore treatment options to prevent the condition from worsening.

Risks of Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels within the body. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for serious medical problems, including stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive and memory issues, erectile dysfunction, and more. Even if you allocate enough hours for sleep each night, insufficient oxygen to the brain can result in feeling groggy, irritable, and tired upon waking up. Obstructive sleep apnea can also cause:

• Impaired performance at school or work
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Marital or social problems
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, often reported by a roommate or bed partner. Since the symptoms occur during sleep, many individuals with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition. If you have been told that you snore loudly or wake up gasping during the night, these could be signs of sleep apnea, and we recommend contacting our office for an evaluation. Other signs of sleep apnea include:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dry mouth

If you suspect you may have obstructive sleep apnea, please reach out to our office for a consultation. The sooner this condition is treated, the sooner we can help you achieve a restful and healthy sleep.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

During your appointment, we will conduct 3D scans of your head and neck to assess the airway. These detailed images will reveal any obstructions and assist Dr. Holtzen in designing a customized treatment plan for your condition. In most cases, we will initially recommend conventional measures as they are effective in managing OSA for many patients.

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or changing sleeping positions
• Oral appliances that keep the jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a breathing device that uses positive air pressure to keep the airway open

If these methods prove ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Before any procedure, we will discuss anesthesia options to ensure your comfort. Surgical treatment may involve repositioning the jaws or opening the airway to prevent restriction. Surgical intervention offers long-term results and can eliminate the need for a CPAP machine or nighttime oral appliances.