Millions of Americans are affected by sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that results in one or more pauses in breathing while asleep. These pauses—or apneas—can last a few seconds or a few minutes each time. This moves the patient in and out of a deep sleep, which prevents them from achieving proper rest.

While sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, many patients are unaware that they have the condition. It’s usually a bed partner who alerts them. Common signs of sleep apnea include:

  • Sleepiness or lack of energy, even after a full night’s rest
  • Restless sleep patterns
  • Insomnia
  • Loud snoring
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Waking up with a sensation of gasping or choking
  • Sore or dry throat upon awakening

Sleep apnea is easily and accurately diagnosed with a sleep study. Most of the time, this test is performed at a sleep center, but sometimes it can be performed at home. Many patients respond well to lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking, as well as conservative at-home treatments, such as the use of a CPAP machine. If sleep apnea is severe and/or if other treatments do not work, surgical treatment may be recommended.

We will discuss your options for treatment during the consultation, as well as take 3D scans to get a detailed look at your facial structures. Our surgeons are specially trained to safely administer various forms of anesthesia for any surgical procedure.

Whitewater Oral Surgery Group wants every patient to experience a good night’s sleep. Please call us to discuss your treatment options.