Although CPAP remains the leading treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, many individuals have trouble sticking with it due to discomfort or other problems. Surgical sleep apnea treatment in Wyomissing, PA, can reduce or eliminate the need for CPAP, targeting anatomical issues that may be causing airway obstruction and leading to sleep apnea. Here’s a detailed list of surgical options your Wyomissing oral surgeon for sleep apnea here in Wyomissing, PA, has put together for you.
UPPP Surgery
UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or functional pharyngoplasty) is a procedure that reshapes the tissue in the back of the throat. This may affect the tonsils and adenoids, the uvula, or the soft palate, resulting in widening of the airway. UPPP surgery for sleep apnea reduces snoring and prevents nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness.
Skeletal/Jaw Surgery, especially Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
This type of procedure moves the upper and lower jaws to improve and enlarge the airway behind the tongue and soft palate. Patient feedback included a significant reduction in sleep apnea and sleep disturbance, with continued satisfactory long-term results. People who have opted for this surgery report a slight change in facial structure and chin shape but also state these changes were inconsequential.
Nasal/Nasopharyngeal Surgery
In some cases, OSA can occur due to sinus or nasal obstruction, which can contribute to breathing problems and lead to sleep apnea and snoring. The surgery is minimally invasive, has a short recovery time, and many people notice relief from snoring and apnea right away.
Tongue-Base/Tongue-Related Surgery
Tongue-related surgery, also known as genioglossus advancement, involves moving the tongue muscle forward or reducing tissue at the tongue’s base to keep it from falling back and blocking the airway. This procedure is ideal for individuals with the specific issue of the tongue relaxing to the point of airway obstruction.
Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
You might be a candidate for surgery if you’ve already tried non-surgical options without success. That often includes lifestyle changes like weight loss or quitting smoking, CPAP therapy, or oral appliance therapy.
Surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works well for one patient may not address the root cause for another. That’s why surgical options are evaluated on an individual basis.
To determine the right approach, your care team will use detailed diagnostics such as sleep studies, endoscopy, and airway imaging. These tools help pinpoint what’s actually causing the issue so a surgical plan can be tailored specifically to you.
Our oral surgery team will schedule a consultation with you to discuss the best surgical option for you. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation appointment and begin your journey to better sleep.