Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep Apnea?
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.
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Sleep Apnea Treatment
The first step in treatment for sleep apnea resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.
In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a jaw repositioning device or nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures are usually performed under light IV sedation in the office.
In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two day overnight stay in the hospital.
OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.
Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
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Very pleased with the service I received from Dr. DeFalco and how professional the staff are. Their office is so easy to get to and very clean. My pain was severe and Katie placed me on the cancellation list. I was more than happy when she called me back to get me in before a long weekend. I give this office A+ for taking care of me and following up the next day. I highly recommend this office. Thank you!!!
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I have had bad experiences with dentists since I was very young I am so impressed by your office about removing a tooth. Your office is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend your office to anyone. Friendly staff clean office very accommodating about scheduling and getting in and having work done I can’t thank you and your staff enough for giving me the confidence that I have been lacking for a very long time
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I needed to have a wisdom tooth removed. There was a concern because I am well over forty years of age. The procedure went extremely well. I could not believe how fast the procedure took. The staff and Dr De Falco are excellent. Highly recommend them. Very professional and courteous. Thank you to Dr. De Falco and his staff
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Dr DeFalco is a no nonsense Oral surgeon. Straight forward in dealing with my case.I was in an out with my wisdom tooth pain misery taken out. Hats off Dr. Robert
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