Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, most often because the airway collapses (obstructive sleep apnea). For adults who cannot tolerate CPAP, an oral surgeon can evaluate the airway and discuss oral appliance therapy and surgical options. Dr. Arthur Johnson sees these patients at our Mission Viejo office.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and block the airway, so breathing pauses again and again through the night. Many adults do not realize they have it, and a bed partner often notices the loud snoring, gasping, or pauses first. Left untreated, sleep apnea is linked to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and other health problems, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
How an oral surgeon can help
A diagnosis of sleep apnea usually starts with a sleep study ordered by a physician. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the severity and on what you can tolerate. CPAP is the standard first option for moderate to severe cases.
For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, Dr. Johnson can evaluate the jaw and airway and discuss options such as a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, or surgical options considered case by case. The right path is decided with you and, when needed, alongside your physician or sleep specialist.
Did you know…
that CPAP is the first-line treatment for most adults with obstructive sleep apnea, but many people cannot tolerate the mask? For those patients, an oral surgeon can evaluate the jaw and airway and discuss alternatives, including a custom oral appliance or, in selected cases, surgery to open the airway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of sleep apnea in adults?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, pauses in breathing that a bed partner notices, morning headaches, and daytime fatigue despite a full night in bed. A sleep study is used to confirm the diagnosis.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, either in a lab or at home, ordered by a physician. The study measures your breathing during sleep, and the results guide treatment.
What can I do if I cannot tolerate CPAP?
Many adults struggle with the CPAP mask. An oral surgeon can evaluate your jaw and airway and discuss alternatives, including a custom oral appliance worn at night or, in selected cases, surgery. The choice depends on your diagnosis and anatomy.
Is sleep apnea surgery right for me?
Surgery is considered case by case, usually when CPAP and an oral appliance are not a good fit. An evaluation of your airway and jaw, along with your sleep study results, determines whether a surgical option makes sense. Dr. Johnson reviews this with you and your physician.