For over 35 years, the Sachem Dental Group has been a trusted source for comprehensive dental and sleep apnea solutions in Long Island, Suffolk County, NY. While most people are familiar with CPAP and oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, surgical sleep apnea treatment may be needed in some scenarios. One such procedure, known as an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (or “UPPP”), is a classic example. By treating the tissues that block your airway, you can naturally improve oxygen intake and sleep quality.
If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep apnea, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you find effective treatment options. Our Long Island dentists are here to help you on your journey toward better sleep and improved health.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Before delving into surgical treatments, it’s crucial to understand how sleep apnea is diagnosed. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. There are two primary types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), with OSA being the most common.
1. Symptoms and Assessment:
- Snoring: Frequent loud snoring, often accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, is a common sign.
- Daytime Fatigue: Excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability may result from poor sleep quality.
- Witnessed Apneas: Bed partners or family members may observe episodes where the affected individual stops breathing.
- Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches can be a sign of sleep apnea.
- High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea is often associated with hypertension.
2. Sleep Study (Polysomnography):
The gold standard for diagnosing OSA involves an overnight sleep study. Special sensors are attached to various parts of your body to monitor breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other parameters. Then the data collected during the study helps determine the severity and type of sleep apnea, or even whether treatment is needed.
3. Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT):
In some cases, a portable device can be used for diagnosing OSA. Instead of staying overnight at a sleep lab, this device measures similar parameters but in the comfort of your own home. HSAT is often recommended for individuals with a high likelihood of OSA and no other significant medical conditions.
How Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) Can Help
The treatment for clinical sleep apnea varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual patient’s needs. UPPP is a surgical option that can be considered in specific cases of OSA. Here’s how it works and when it might be recommended:
What is UPPP?
UPPP is a surgical procedure that enlarges the diameter of your upper airway by removing excess tissues in the throat. Sometimes this tissue removal process includes the uvula, part of the soft palate, and the tonsils if they are still present. The goal is to create a wider air passage, reducing the chances of obstruction during sleep.
When is UPPP Recommended?
UPPP is typically considered when conservative treatments like lifestyle changes (weight loss, positional therapy), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, and oral appliances have not helped as well as needed. Patients will need to discuss their specific case with a sleep specialist and an experienced surgeon to determine if UPPP is a suitable option.
The UPPP Procedure
Treatment is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring your comfort during surgery. The surgeon—usually an ENT or oral surgeon—then carefully removes excess tissue from the throat area, aiming to widen the airway. Laser therapy may be used to allow for faster healing and results.
UPPP can lead to reduced snoring and improved airflow during sleep, potentially alleviating sleep apnea symptoms.
Is UPPP Right for You?
It’s important to emphasize that UPPP is not a one-size-fits-all solution for sleep apnea. The decision to undergo this surgery should be made after a thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist and consultation with an experienced surgeon. Factors such as the anatomy of your airway, the severity of your condition, and your overall health will be considered when determining the best course of action.
What is Inspire Surgery for Sleep Apnea?
Another alternative UPPP surgery or CPAP therapy is Inspire Surgery for OSA. This procedure is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive option that has shown remarkable effectiveness in improving the lives of sleep apnea sufferers. Here’s a closer look at this innovative approach:
How Inspire Surgery Works:
Inspire is an FDA-approved device that acts as a nerve stimulator. It is implanted under the skin in the chest and connected to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement in your tongue and some of the ones used for maintaining an open airway. As you sleep, the device senses your natural breathing patterns and delivers mild stimulation to those muscles to prevent airway collapse.
Laser Sleep Apnea Treatment with a Dentist
Last but not least, one of the most minimally invasive and quickest ways to treat your OSA is through the use of soft tissue laser therapy. This option uses powerful light pulses that are gently applied to the soft tissues around the back of your throat. Unlike surgery, you can remain completely awake during the procedure. The laser reduces swelling and tissue density, allowing for a naturally wider airway after the treatment.
For best results, most laser OSA patients typically undergo at least 2-3 laser sessions. It’s necessary to re-treat the areas on occasion, so working with a trained sleep dentistry provider will help you stay ahead of symptoms and manage them more easily.
Most laser sleep apnea treatments cause little to no discomfort. Common side effects are a slightly scratchy throat for a few days after the procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Sachem Dental Group, we understand the profound impact that sleep apnea can have on your life, affecting not only your sleep quality but also your overall health and well-being. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to address your specific needs. If you’re in the earliest stages of getting help with OSA, we encourage you to reserve an exam with one of our highly-experienced dental providers.