Sleep apnea is an increasingly common disorder that is characterized by shallow breathing or one or more pauses in your breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes, resulting in an ongoing disruption that moves you out of deep sleep and into a light sleep. Many patients who are suffering from sleep apnea commonly feel tired, even after they have slept throughout the entire night.
Not everyone who suffers from sleep apnea is aware they have the condition.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
You may have sleep apnea if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sleepiness or lack of energy after a full night’s rest
- Restless sleep patterns
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
A polysomnogram test, which records specific physical activities while you sleep, is used by doctors and sleep specialists to diagnose a patient with sleep apnea. The test can be performed either at a sleep center or in the comfort of your own home. In some cases, patients that are diagnosed with sleep apnea can treat the condition at home by changing certain behaviors or using dental devices. However, some sleep apnea cases are better solved through a surgical procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Benefits Of A Surgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea
You may benefit from the surgical treatment of sleep apnea if
- Your sleep cannot be corrected with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, alcohol avoidance, smoking cessation, or side sleeping
- You experience discomfort or pain while utilizing mouthpieces
- You do not experience success and/or feel uncomfortable using breathing devices, such as the CPAP machine
If your doctor determines that surgery is the best option to treat your sleep apnea, you will have an initial consultation with our skilled surgeon to discuss and formulate the best method of surgical treatment. Your breathing passages will be widened by shrinking, stiffening, or removing excess tissue in the mouth and throat, or by resetting the position of the lower jaw. Your procedure may be performed in our office or a hospital, depending on the severity of your condition.
If you think you may be a candidate for surgical treatment of sleep apnea, please contact us at Utah Facial & Oral Surgery. Our surgeons have extensive surgical training, and our highly trained staff are happy to assist you throughout the process. Please contact us to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey to a better night’s sleep.
Where can I get sleep apnea treated in Salt Lake and Utah Counties?
Utah Facial & Oral Surgery in South Jordan, UT, offers various oral surgical procedures and treatments, including the surgical treatment of sleep apnea. We serve the Salt Lake and Utah Counties area.
Contact our office in the Salt Lake and Utah Counties area today to schedule your consultation for Sleep Apnea at (801) 446-4428.
