How Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Treat Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleeping disorder that results from a blocked airway. Insomnia, headaches, and snoring are commonly experienced by people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. For patients who are experiencing OSA due to the misalignment of their jaw, corrective surgery can provide effective relief. Dr. Andrew Glenn provides corrective jaw surgery at his Lincoln, NE clinic. His facility employs an advanced cone beam CT scanner to precisely plan each procedure. Once your jaw has been repositioned, you can begin enjoying a restful night’s sleep.
Understanding OSA
Common risk factors for this condition include being overweight, being over 40 years old, gender (men are more likely to have this disorder), a large neck diameter, family history of sleep apnea, and physiological features such as large tonsils and nasal obstructions. In addition to the characteristic snoring and fatigue that can result from OSA, the condition can also lead to:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Worsening ADHD symptoms
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches
There are two types of sleep apnea. OSA is the most common of the two types and results from obstructions or blockages in the throat during sleep. Central sleep apnea is not caused by a blockage but from dysfunction within the respiratory control center of the brain, which causes the muscles that control breathing to work improperly.
Dr. Glenn and his skilled team are dedicated to bringing you exceptional results while providing the best in patient care.
How Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Help
For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, there could be several causes. Dr. Glenn will recommend non-surgical options before exploring more invasive treatment options. When treatment options such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), nerve stimulators, mouthpieces, or special pillows fail to work, surgery can offer an effective solution.
Jaw surgery can treat OSA by tightening the soft palate, keeping it from blocking the airways during sleep.
If your jaw alignment is found to be responsible for lax palate tissue (fleshy roof of the mouth near the throat), Dr. Glenn can treat the condition by repositioning both your upper and lower jaw to tighten the soft palate. The results help your airways remain open at night. The surgery generally requires a few days in the hospital before you are released to recover at home, and pain medications can be prescribed at Dr. Glenn’s discretion.
Assessing Your Candidacy for Surgical Treatment
Candidates for corrective jaw surgery as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea include those who have found little or no relief from non-surgical treatments. Dr. Glenn will only recommend surgery if less invasive solutions have not been effective. He will use an advanced CT scanner and other advanced tools to determine if surgery can benefit you.
Schedule Your Visit with Dr. Glenn Today
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are multiple effective treatment options available. When the least invasive of these solutions fails, corrective jaw surgery can help. Dr. Glenn is a Lincoln native and has practiced in the area since 2004. Dr. Glenn and his skilled team are dedicated to bringing you exceptional results while providing the best in patient care. If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, contact our office online or call (402) 421-3401.
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