Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by shallow breaths or long pauses in breathing during sleep. The condition often results in patients feeling drowsy throughout the day because the pauses and/or shallow breaths cause disruptions in the sleeping pattern to the point that the sleeper is unable to remain in a deep sleep state and may wake periodically. OSA also causes low blood oxygen levels in the sleeper and carries some serious health risks. Abbotsford Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Centre offers surgical procedures to correct sleep apnea. When you have your consultation with Dr. Esmail, he will determine if you are a candidate for surgical treatment.
The symptoms of sleep apnea may include the following:
- Non-restorative sleep
- Insomnia
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory problems
- Anxiety/irritability
- Unexplained headaches
- Difficulty performing work/school duties
- Disruption of the sleep of a bed partner
If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to have a medical evaluation because there are severe medical complications associated with sleep apnea, including:
- High blood pressure/hypertension
- Heart disease/heart failure
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pulmonary hypertension
Because of the severity of these risks, many medical plans offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.
Sleep Apnea Procedures
Surgical treatment by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is indicated when sleep apnea is caused by a physical obstruction of the airway during sleep. While a diagnosis of sleep apnea will often be given based on a person’s medical history, there are tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis. After a diagnosis, your sleep specialist or general physician may refer you to our practice for surgery, especially if non-invasive treatments have failed, such as the use of a nasal CPAP machine at night. There are many types of procedures to correct sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition. In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery will be required to reposition the bones of the upper and lower jaw to increase the size of the airway. This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and often requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
The surgical treatment for sleep apnea can vastly improve a patient’s quality of life and overall health. Often, surgical treatment is done in conjunction with the use of non-surgical treatments in select patients. During your consultation appointment with Dr. Esmail at Abbotsford Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Centre, you will have a complete examination, including imaging of the airway and its supporting structures. Our team will work closely with your medical sleep specialist, dentist, and physician to develop the ideal treatment plan for you.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Abbotsford, BC
The surgical management of sleep apnea is one of the most rewarding treatments we offer at our practice because our patients often have a huge post-operative boost in their quality of life. If you believe your health would be improved by treating your sleep apnea surgically, or if you have been recommended for this type of treatment, please give our practice a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Esmail. He will be happy to discuss your options and create a treatment plan that may help you finally get the sleep you need!