If you have obstructive sleep apnea and no solution seems to give you a restful night’s sleep, jaw surgery called “maxillomandibular advancement” could give you the relief you need.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
During obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing repeatedly stops and starts again, which can lead to up to 30 sleep interruptions per hour. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious side effects such as impairing your breathing for up to 20 seconds, resulting in low blood oxygen levels. Decreased oxygen to the bloodstream can result in cardiovascular disorders.
Some symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring, especially while laying on your back
- Waking up abruptly and feeling short of breath
- Waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or chest pain
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing during the day
- Insomnia
- Depression or irritability
- High blood pressure
Jaw Surgery as a Solution for Sleep Apnea
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea requires that patients wear a mask at night to help them breathe. Some patients have difficulty sleeping with these Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.
If you have been unhappy with your past sleep apnea treatments, or if past treatments haven’t offered relief, maxillomandibular advancement surgery might be a good option for you. This surgery involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) forward, enlarging your airway and making it easier for you to breathe at night.
Jaw surgery will require a one- to two-day stay in the hospital, and you may experience swelling and pain immediately following the procedure. However, this surgery has an extremely high success rate and provides long-term relief to patients.
Schedule an Appointment at Athens Oral Surgery Center
Corrective jaw surgery isn’t for everyone. To discuss your options with Dr. Tomlinson, request an appointment at Athens Oral Surgery Center today.