What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep, preventing air from reaching the lungs. This results in loud snoring and causes drops in the oxygen levels of the blood. This disrupts the sleep cycle and can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Serious long-term health problems can arise including heart disease and increased risk of stroke.

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Your anatomy may be the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea, such as having a small lower jaw (mandibular hypoplasia) or large adenoids and tonsils. Obesity, alcohol usage, and certain medications can cause many people to develop sleep apnea as well.

Facial Surgery Group’s Approach to OSA

Orthognathic jaw surgery can be one solution to opening up the airway and improving obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. If you have not had success with lifestyle modification or are unable to tolerate a CPAP, then getting sleep apnea surgery in Kansas City may be an appropriate option for you.

Prior to planning jaw surgery, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon will complete a comprehensive examination of your face and throat. We may recommend a sleep study to diagnose and determine the severity of OSA. Facial Surgery Group has skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons who can work with you to develop a treatment plan to improve your symptoms.