Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is partially blocked during sleep, causing the patient to awaken with a gasp due to decreased blood oxygen levels in the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep and reduced blood oxygen levels.

Roughly 20% of adults experience mild OSA, and about 7% have moderate to severe OSA. It can also affect up to 3% of children. Most health insurance plans cover treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?

• Snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing (apnea)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Cognitive impairment
• Poor decision-making/inability to concentrate
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night
• Depression
• Overweight issues
• Large neck size (>17 inches in men, >16 inches in women)
• Airway congestion
• Morning headaches
• Decreased sex drive
• Frequent nighttime bathroom trips

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you or a family member are showing signs of sleep apnea, visiting Inland Institute Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is advisable. Dr. Gilbert conducts a detailed medical history and interviews family members about your sleep patterns.

Alongside a thorough physical examination, we may conduct a 3D CBCT scan to assess your airway. If further investigation is warranted, Dr. Gilbert may arrange a sleep study. This study, known as polysomnography, helps confirm an OSA diagnosis and assess its severity by monitoring your sleep patterns and blood oxygen levels. In some cases, a trial with a CPAP machine may be included to gauge its impact on your condition.

Treatment For Sleep Apnea

For moderate to severe cases, treatment often involves using a CPAP machine during sleep. This device delivers pressurized air to prevent airway blockage.

It's crucial to recognize that while CPAP can effectively manage sleep apnea, it doesn't cure the condition. Discontinuing CPAP use can lead to a return of symptoms and increase the risk of other health issues. Long-term adherence to CPAP therapy can be challenging; studies indicate that regular use beyond 5 years may drop to as low as 20%.

Dental Appliances, Oral Devices, And Lower Jaw Adjustment Devices For Treatment Of Sleep Apnea

Oral appliances are commonly used to manage mild to moderate sleep apnea with good efficacy. These devices resemble mouthguards and are placed inside the mouth, while others work by repositioning the lower jaw and expanding the airway, secured around the head and chin.

It's crucial to note that while dental and oral appliances can effectively manage OSA, they do not offer a permanent cure. Ceasing the use of your appliance can lead to the return of symptoms and increase the risk of other health conditions.

Surgical Treatment For Sleep Apnea

At Inland Institute Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Gilbert collaborates closely with patients to customize surgical procedures that best suit their individual needs. Various treatments are available for OSA, targeting different areas of the upper airway. We frequently collaborate with otolaryngologists and sleep specialists to achieve optimal outcomes.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, and chin forward to open the airway posteriorly. This adjustment helps move the tongue forward and enlarges the posterior airway. Often, this procedure addresses nasal airway issues like septal deviation or enlarged nasal turbinates. Unlike temporary solutions, surgical repositioning offers a potential permanent cure for OSA, boasting success rates exceeding 90% in studies.

Dr. Gilbert assesses each patient individually to determine if surgical intervention is appropriate for managing OSA. Our team of insurance specialists assists in navigating benefits and facilitating the approval process, ensuring a seamless experience for patients.

While snoring affects up to 50% of Americans, it may not carry the health risks associated with OSA but can disrupt sleep, strain relationships, and cause social discomfort, prompting family members to sleep separately.

Dr. Gilbert offers the Pillar^® Procedure to address snoring, involving the placement of three implants into the soft palate. This outpatient procedure, typically done under local anesthesia, takes about 10 minutes. Patients generally experience minimal discomfort, often describing it as akin to a mild sore throat or a "pizza burn" on the palate. Pain medication is rarely necessary afterward. Contact us today to explore whether the Pillar^® Procedure is suitable for your needs.