Snoring & Sleep Apnea Beverly Hills Oral Surgery
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by interruptions and cessations in breathing during sleep, which can occur up to hundreds of times a night.
It is estimated that in the United States:
One in five adults in the United States suffers from mild obstructive sleep apnea.
One in 15 adults suffers from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Almost half of all people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension
People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are up to 6 times more likely to be involved in a car crash as a result of drowsiness than those without sleep disorders.
The partner of an obstructive sleep apnea sufferer loses about an hour of sleep every night due to his or her partner’s snoring.
Sleep deprivation has been shown to alter hormones and metabolism involved in weight gain.
Non-Surgical Treatment for OSA
C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airwary Pressure)
A C-PAP device is a specially fitted mask that keeps the airway open by air pressure. It is a very effective treatment for sleep apnea, but it may be difficult for some patients to tolerate and use routinely. This is particularly common in people with small upper or lower jaws.
Oral Appliances The oral appliance is a molded device that positions the lower jaw and tongue forward. Recent studies have shown that this is an effective therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Surgical Treatment for OSA
Surgical intervention may be a viable alternative for some OSA patients; however, it is important to keep in mind that every patient is different and there are multiple surgical options.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) – Corrective Jaw Surgery for OSA
MMA is a procedure that moves the upper and lower jaws forward. As the bones are surgically advanced, the soft tissues of the tongue and palate are also moved forward, opening the entire airway. Through minimally invasive techniques the jaws can be advanced to provide better breathing and a cure for moderate to severe sleep apnea. For some individuals, the MMA procedure is the only technique that can create the necessary air passage to resolve OSA symptoms.
Jaw advancement surgery is very well tolerated and can have significant benefits in improving the airway. Excellent long term (5 year) results have been documented with improvement in quality of life after MMA. *
We will examine all parts of your upper airway. If your soft palate is a factor in your obstructive sleep apnea, the Pillar Procedure may be an effective treatment option for you, because it stiffens the soft palate to reduce or eliminate the tissue vibration and collapse that can cause obstructive sleep apnea .
The Pillar Procedure can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or used in combination with other treatments and lifestyle changes to address multi-level upper airway obstruction. More than 30,000 people worldwide have been treated with the Pillar Procedure.