Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea is a medical condition which occurs when you cannot breathe properly at night. Dr. Bryan Chai and Dr. J. Brandon Luter provide surgical treatments for severe cases of sleep apnea to help you begin breathing correctly once again and get the rest you need to enjoy a healthy quality of life.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea repeatedly stop and start breathing, which can happen hundreds of times throughout the night. This condition is more than just snoring or a bad night’s sleep; it can lead to significant health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and daytime fatigue. There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the more common form caused by a blockage of the airway when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
• Central Sleep Apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.

When is Sleep Apnea Surgery Needed?

Surgery for sleep apnea is typically considered after other treatments have been tried and proven ineffective. This includes lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking, using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines or oral appliance therapy. Patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or who have anatomical factors contributing to their sleep apnea, such as enlarged tonsils, a small lower jaw with an overbite or a deviated septum, might be candidates for surgical intervention. The decision to proceed with surgery is complex and based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health, the severity of their sleep apnea and the specific anatomical issues contributing to their condition.

Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Several surgical options are available for the treatment of sleep apnea, each tailored to the unique anatomy and needs of the patient. The most common procedures include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure involves removing excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway. This can include the uvula, part of the soft palate and, if necessary, the tonsils and adenoids.
• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery corrects certain facial structural abnormalities by moving the upper and lower jaw forward. This expansion of the space behind the tongue and soft palate makes airway obstruction less likely.
• Genioglossus Advancement (GGA): Aimed at preventing the tongue from blocking the airway, this procedure repositions the main tongue attachment forward to enlarge the behind-the-tongue airspace.
• Hyoid Suspension: This procedure involves repositioning the hyoid bone (a bone in the neck) to open up the airway. It’s often performed in conjunction with other surgeries.
• Nasal Surgery: For patients whose sleep apnea is contributed to by nasal obstructions, procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction can improve airflow through the nose.

The choice of surgery depends on the patient’s specific anatomical configuration and the severity of their sleep apnea. These procedures are not universally successful and carry the risk of complications, so they are typically considered after less invasive treatments have failed. Our oral surgeons will work closely with you and with medical specialists to determine the most appropriate procedure and create your treatment plan.

Schedule A Consultation

To schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons and learn more about sleep apnea surgery in Denver, Colorado, please contact Cherry Creek Restorative Dentistry today at 720-792-8227.