Sleep Apnea

Many people struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and experience many negative side effects due to a lack of proper airflow during sleep. At Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, our surgeons offer surgical and non-surgical methods to treat OSA and help you breathe easier and sleep better at night.

If you experience obstructive sleep apnea or would like an airflow evaluation, contact our practice today in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Auburn, CA. Our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Liberty, will outline all of your treatment options and start you on the path to a healthier, more restful night’s sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition where a person stops breathing during sleep. This lack of airflow can be caused by an obstruction in the airway, or for neurological reasons. The type and severity of sleep apnea can be determined with a sleep study. When oxygen in the brain becomes low enough, the brain tells the sleeper to wake up and begin breathing properly.

Why Treat Sleep Apnea?

This disruption of sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, irritability, and a loss of concentration. People with OSA often disrupt the sleep of bed partners as well because of snoring or gasping sounds when they wake up.

The human body has a difficult time functioning without enough oxygen. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious problems like stroke, high blood pressure, headaches, diabetes, depression, heart failure, and an overall lack of well-being. At Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, we help prevent these issues and improve your ability to sleep with a variety of treatments.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are different types of sleep apnea that cause low blood oxygen levels, which can lead to very serious cardiovascular problems over time. The three types of sleep apnea include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs where there is an obstruction in the mouth and throat. Often, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat, which blocks the airway and stops airflow. The main symptoms of OSA are loud snoring, gasping, or waking up frequently.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea also inhibits breathing at night but because of neurological reasons. The brain and nervous system do not consistently send signals to breathe, causing the sleeper to stop breathing and wake up, often short of breath or with panic.

Complex Sleep Apnea

People with complex sleep apnea have both OSA and central sleep apnea. This condition may cause the sleeper to experience symptoms of both conditions and often is not remedied with traditional OSA treatments.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

The first step of treatment is to diagnose sleep apnea. During your consultation, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face. By using highly advanced imaging technology, our surgeons can examine the bones and soft tissues in the oral and maxillofacial regions, determining the level of obstruction and assessing your airways. In some cases, a sleep study may be necessary.

Our oral surgeons will walk you through all of your treatment options to help choose the right one for your specific needs.

Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatments

We will recommend non-surgical techniques before considering a surgical approach. Many patients experience great success using traditional methods and are able to sleep comfortably. These options include:

• Wearing a CPAP machine during sleep, which delivers oxygen through a nasal mask
• Wearing an oral appliance during sleep, which holds the lower jaw in a forward position to prevent the tongue from falling backward

Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatments

If non-surgical methods are ineffective, we can explore surgical options to treat sleep apnea. Prior to any procedure, we will discuss your anesthesia options to ensure your total comfort. Surgical options include:

• Minimally invasive surgery to tighten the soft palate or remove extra fatty tissue blocking the airway
• Orthognathic surgery to move the jaw forward and increase the size of the airway

Sleep Apnea in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA

Sleep apnea is a serious condition and if you suffer from sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery today. Our oral surgeons offer many treatments to open the airway, contributing to a lifetime of better health and a more restful night’s sleep. We offer sleep apnea treatment at our offices in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA.