The severe sleep problem known as sleep apnea is characterized by frequent breathing pauses while you’re asleep. These disruptions can cause a variety of health issues, ranging from weariness and mood swings to more serious ailments including heart disease and stroke as explained by a general dentist in Boynton Beach, FL. While lifestyle modifications and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) equipment are standard therapies, maxillofacial surgery is necessary in certain cases of sleep apnea as a better long-term remedy. Patients in Boynton Beach, Florida who suffer from obstructive or severe sleep apnea may benefit from surgery.
Why Maxillofacial Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a possible part of the treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, as it can target anatomical issues related to this problem. These may include surgical procedures that will help in correcting the jaw and facial bone anomalies which may be too small or causing airway narrowing, hence leading to difficulties during sleep.
When other treatments, such as CPAP are unable to work or poorly tolerated, maxillofacial surgery provides a longer-term solution that can be quite successful.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Maxillofacial Surgery
1. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA):
The most common surgery to cure sleep apnea; MMA: moving the jaws forward, including fixing both the upper (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). In turn, this effectively opens up the airway to minimize your chances of experiencing an obstruction while sleeping. The success of this procedure is known to be very high and it can lead to remarkable results, especially in patients with severe sleep apnea.
2. Genioglossus Advancement (GA):
An advancement of the forward part of the muscle geniohyoid and a better suspension for example in combination with hyoid, as well. This intervention is only targeted for the tongue position. The genioglossus muscle (the tongue skeletally attaches to the jaw with this structure) is brought forward. This improvement prevents the tongue from falling behind, which leads to obstruction of the airway during sleep.
3. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This surgery is often done in combination with other procedures. This usually requires the excision of excess throat tissues like the uvula, soft palate, and occasionally the tonsils to widen up an airway.
4. Distraction Osteogenesis:
This process stretches out the bones in your face a little bit over time, which should increase increasingly larger airway space. However, it is occasionally used in patients with a deficient mandible or other congenital anomalies.
5. Tongue Reduction Surgery:
The surgical removal of part or all of the tongue — a rare procedure done to relieve airway obstruction from an abnormally large tongue.
Important Information about Surgery in Boynton Beach
So when you are looking for maxillofacial surgery treatment for sleep apnea in Boynton Beach, the process usually starts with a thorough evaluation. If necessary, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will conduct imaging studies (i.e., X-rays CT scans, or MRIs) to evaluate the best way to approach any airway anatomy problems you have. You follow up closely with a medical provider who is a sleep specialist to figure out whether you are the candidate for surgery.
The procedure itself is done with general anesthesia, and recovery may last longer depending on the difficulty of the operation. The majority of patients experience a certain amount of swelling, and discomfort and will be on soft foods for several weeks after the surgery.
For those who have not experienced relief through other treatments, maxillofacial surgery can be a strong weapon in the ongoing battle against obstructive sleep apnea. For many who have sleep apnea, the option mentioned can be discussed with a nearby oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Boynton Beach, FL who can aid them in getting their restful sleep. If you are dealing with sleep apnea or care for someone who is, talk to a specialist about whether maxillofacial surgery could be the best option.
