Snore No More: 3 Surgeries for Sleep Apnea
Mar. 15 2019
If you have sleep apnea, you have more than likely been nudged or shoved awake by your spouse because of how loud your breathing is. As a condition that causes your airways to collapse while you sleep, resulting in a lack of oxygen to your heart and brain, sleep apnea isn’t something to mess with.
The most common form of treatment for sleep apnea is with a breathing machine called a continuous positive airway pressure therapy machine (CPAP). A CPAP helps to increase air pressure in your throat so that your airways do not collapse when you breathe; that way your body gets all of the oxygen it needs (and your spouse gets more sleep). While sleep apnea treatment usually starts with conservative therapy like a CPAP machine or even weight loss, many patients end up having to have surgery performed. But what kinds of surgeries are available? Let’s take a closer look and see.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During this surgery, the tonsils, adenoids, and tissue from the rear of the mouth are removed to stop vibration and snoring.
Maxillomandibular Advancement
This procedure is done to help move the jaw forward to help create more space behind the tongue and the soft palate which reduces the risk of obstruction during sleep.
Tracheostomy
Usually, this procedure is only performed when other treatments have failed and is reserved for life-threatening cases of sleep apnea. During this surgery, a metal or plastic tube is inserted into the throat to help you breathe while you sleep. The opening will stay covered during the day but it will help pass air in and out of the lungs at night.
If you live with chronic sleep apnea, then it may be time to look into other options like surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Glasser, he will do a brief examination and then discuss all of these options with you. Are you ready to learn more about how you can sleep better at night? If so, contact us at our Melville office today and call us at (631) 423-6767
Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.
