oral surgery procedures
Simply fill out the form below, and you will be presented with directions that include a map, the travel time, and distance. If you need any additional information, please contact our Gilbert office at 480-279-3113.
Snoring. There's nothing good about it. Chronic snoring disrupts sleep patterns and prevents a good night's rest. It damages relationships. Snoring often is a factor in a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has been linked to health issues such as excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, impotence, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) have disrupted sleep patterns and episodes of oxygen deprivation. The root cause of OSA can be multifactorial; it can be due to decreased nasal and/or oral airflow. When a person relaxes during sleep, the tongue can fall back 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.
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.
The first step in treatment 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 and a nasopharyngoscop evaluation, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.
There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (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 can be performed under IV sedation in the office.
In cases of Mild sleep apnea, or in patients that suffer from snoring only, a new procedure is available to help reduce or eliminate this condition. The Pillar Procedure is a simple, safe and effective treatment that is designed to help you stop snoring and, in many cases, help people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It's a relatively painless procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office in about 20 minutes, using only local anesthetic. During the Pillar Procedure, three tiny polyester implants are placed into the soft palate. Over time, the implants, together with the body's natural fibrotic response, add structural support to and stiffen the soft palate. This structural support and stiffening reduce the tissue vibration that can cause snoring and the palatal tissue collapse that can obstruct the upper airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
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.