Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious condition in which the airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or need a more sustainable solution, surgical treatment can help open the airway, improve breathing and reduce snoring, and support better long-term health.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when throat tissues collapse during sleep and block the airway, disrupting breathing and rest. It can cause loud, chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, and increase the risk of serious health problems over time. Troublesome snoring is often one of the most noticeable signs of OSA and may point to a more significant airway problem. CPAP is often the first recommended treatment, but it may not work for everyone.
Surgical treatment focuses on enlarging the airway and reducing blockage. Depending on the cause and location of the obstruction, this may involve repositioning the jaws, removing or tightening soft tissue, or a combination of these procedures.
The goal is to improve airflow, reduce breathing interruptions, lessen snoring caused by airway obstruction, and support better sleep and overall health.
For the right candidate, surgery can provide a more lasting solution and meaningful improvement in daily well-being, including:
Better daytime energy and focus:
Before surgery
Your care begins with a full evaluation by a sleep specialist and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This usually includes a sleep study, a review of your symptoms and medical history, and an exam of your airway anatomy. Imaging may also be recommended to help identify where the airway is blocked. Based on these findings, your surgeon will recommend the treatment plan best suited to your needs.
During surgery
Sleep Apnea Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The exact procedure depends on the cause of the obstruction.
Common surgical options include:
In some cases, procedures are combined to achieve the best result.
After surgery
After surgery, you will be monitored during recovery and given detailed post-operative instructions. Some swelling, discomfort, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing is common in the early healing period. Recovery may also include pain medication and a soft-food or liquid diet for a period of time, depending on the procedure. A follow-up sleep study may be recommended after healing to evaluate the outcome.
There are several surgical options, depending on where the airway is blocked. Some procedures remove or tighten soft tissue in the throat, while others reposition the jaws to create a larger airway. In some patients, these procedures can also reduce snoring by addressing tissue collapse and narrowing in the airway. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best fits your anatomy and condition.
Surgery can provide lasting improvement, and in some cases may eliminate Sleep Apnea. Results depend on the procedure, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s anatomy. It may also significantly reduce snoring when snoring is related to airway obstruction. Follow-up testing is important to confirm the outcome.
Initial recovery usually takes one to two weeks, though full healing may take longer depending on the procedure. More extensive surgery, such as jaw advancement, generally involves a longer recovery period.
It can. Because snoring is often caused by vibration and collapse in a narrowed airway, procedures that open the airway may reduce snoring as well as breathing interruptions. The degree of improvement depends on the source of the obstruction and the type of surgery performed.
The procedure itself is done under General Anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. Afterward, discomfort is expected, but it is typically managed with medication and improves as healing progresses.
Yes. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include CPAP or an oral appliance that helps keep the airway open during sleep. These options can also help reduce snoring by improving airflow. Surgery is typically considered when these options are not tolerated or are not effective enough.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through a comfortable and effective treatment journey.
