Do you snore on a regular basis? If so, then this could indicate the presence of a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Our team offers treatment options to address minor or severe cases of sleep apnea. With our team of orthognathic surgery experts in Richmond, VA, you can enjoy a good night’s rest again!
The Link Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
When we snore on a nightly basis, this is because soft tissues are partially blocking airways. When we breathe, this vibrates the tissue to create a loud and obnoxious sound. With sleep apnea, these same air passages become blocked completely. This cuts off airflow and means you stop breathing until the brain wakes you. While you may not remember this happening, it can occur hundreds of times in a night, interrupting your REM sleep and leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable the next day, with trouble staying alert, concentrating on tasks, or with your short-term memory.
Diagnosing Your Disorder
When you experience chronic snoring, daytime drowsiness, irritability, trouble concentrating, or issues waking in the night gasping for air or choking, then you need to seek sleep apnea treatment. Otherwise, this is linked to strains on your immune systems and even your heart health, so the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke or heart attack is more common. Contact us right away so we can conduct a detailed examination and choose the right solution for you, so you can rest easy again and avoid complications for your health!
Possible Treatment Options
For some, we may recommend a CPAP machine, which means wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, which is connected to a machine with a special hose. This forces air through the nose and allows you to breathe without interruption at night. An oral appliance could also be used to reposition your bite and allow you to breathe without complication as well.
For more severe cases, we can use surgery to aid in your breathing concerns. The uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP) can be used to surgically reshape your soft palate, often with the support of an advanced dental laser. This tightens tissues and reduces vibrations. We could also conduct orthognathic surgery as well, repositioning the upper and lower jaw to keep airways free of obstruction.
If you have any questions about how our team diagnoses and treats sleep apnea, then please reach out to our team today! We want to help you rest without complications, and enjoy a better quality of life as a result.
Visit Your Team At Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery In Richmond, VA Today!
When we stop your snoring, we can help you rest easier with an array of treatment options, which can be personalized for your smile! Talk to our team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery in Richmond, VA at (804) 354-1600 today.