Facial Reconstruction

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Mesquite

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue blocks the airway during sleep, disrupting breathing and reducing blood oxygen levels. This causes the sleeper to wake up frequently, often with a gasp, to clear the blockage. This recurring problem can lead to significant health issues, including:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loss of concentration
Depression
Cardiovascular problems

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) involves less severe blockages but still leads to similar symptoms.

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?

The first step in treating obstructive sleep apnea is recognizing the symptoms and getting the right help. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Mesquite provide obstructive sleep apnea consultation and treatment options. We use a multi-step approach to manage this condition, starting with evaluating and diagnosing how severe it is. A sleep specialist will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and conduct a monitored sleep study to understand your condition better.

In addition to a detailed history and sleep study, our surgeons will thoroughly examine the anatomical relationships in the maxillofacial region. We employ cephalometric (skull X-ray) analysis to accurately identify any obstructions as well as 3D volume analysis of the airway with a CBCT scan obtained at our office. Moreover, our Mesquite doctors may perform a nasopharyngeal exam using a flexible fiber-optic camera to enhance our assessment.

Offered at DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Mesquite, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. During DISE, the patient is sedated to simulate natural sleep, and a thin, flexible scope with a camera is inserted through the nose to observe the upper airway for any blockages or obstructions. This allows doctors at DFWOMS to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the obstruction, leading to a more personalized and effective treatment plan. DISE is particularly useful for patients who haven’t responded well to other treatments or who are considering surgery for their sleep apnea.

The details we gather from your history, physical exam, sleep study, and other tests help us understand the severity of your condition better. Depending on how serious your obstructive sleep apnea is, our Mesquite doctors may recommend a variety of treatment modalities to address the condition effectively.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides initial treatments that include using a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to reduce nighttime obstruction. However, some patients struggle with compliance and tolerance of the CPAP machine. There are other nonsurgical options available, such as oral repositioning appliances, weight loss plans, and many others. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss these options with our qualified Mesquite obstructive sleep apnea treatment specialists.

For patients who can’t tolerate or haven’t succeeded with nonsurgical treatments, our exceptional obstructive sleep apnea surgeons in Mesquite can discuss the most reliable surgeries with you. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, we will develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include procedures like septoplasty or jaw repositioning surgery (orthognathic surgery) to eliminate the obstruction and improve breathing.

Contact Us Today

At DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our Mesquite doctors know that obstructive sleep apnea requires serious care and attention. We are ready to help you manage your sleep apnea so you can regain control of your life. Most major medical plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Call us today to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea treatment and surgery in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Mesquite, Irving, and Ennis. Schedule your exam today to start your journey to better sleep!