Facial Reconstruction

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Irving

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue or other tissue blocks the airway during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and low blood oxygen levels. This causes you to wake up briefly, often with a gasp, to clear the blockage. This cycle can repeat, potentially leading to serious health issues, including:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loss of concentration
Depression
Cardiovascular problems

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) features less severe obstructions but can still cause similar symptoms.

How Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?

Recognizing the symptoms and getting the right help is the first step in treatment. Our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Irving provide obstructive sleep apnea consultations and treatment options. We use a multi-step approach to treat obstructive sleep apnea, starting with an evaluation and diagnosis of the disease’s severity. A sleep specialist will take a full history, conduct a physical exam, and then perform a monitored sleep study to understand your condition better.

In addition to the detailed history and sleep study, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons assess the structures in the maxillofacial region. We use cephalometric (skull X-ray) analysis to identify any obstructions. Additionally, our doctors in Irving conduct a nasopharyngeal exam using a flexible fiber-optic camera to further explore this area.

At DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a method used to pinpoint the causes of obstructive sleep apnea. For our Irving treatment, patients are sedated to imitate natural sleep, allowing doctors to insert a thin, flexible camera through the nose to examine the upper airway for any blockages. This approach helps accurately determine the location and cause of airway obstructions, leading to more tailored and effective treatment strategies. DISE is particularly helpful for patients who have not benefited sufficiently from other treatments or are considering surgery for their condition.

By gathering information from your history, physical exam, sleep study, and other tests, we gain a clearer picture of how severe your condition is. Depending on the degree and severity of obstructive sleep apnea, our Irving doctors may recommend various treatment modalities to address your condition effectively.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Treatment often starts with using a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to reduce nighttime obstructions. However, some people find it hard to comply with or tolerate the CPAP machine. There are other nonsurgical options available, such as oral repositioning appliances and weight loss plans. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss these options with one of our qualified Irving obstructive sleep apnea treatment specialists at DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

If nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked for you, our top obstructive sleep apnea surgeons in Irving can talk with you about the most reliable surgeries that can help. We’ll look at your clinical and radiographic findings to create a plan specifically for you. This could include surgeries like septoplasty or jaw repositioning surgery (orthognathic surgery) to fix the blockage and cure your sleep apnea, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

Contact Us Today

DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery understands that obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. We’re here to help you manage your sleep apnea and improve your quality of life. Many major medical plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Call DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to learn more about our obstructive sleep apnea treatment in the Irving area. Schedule your appointment today!