Reviewed by Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS

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Have you been told that you snore? Do you wake up feeling even more tired than when you went to sleep? 

Snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where sleep is interrupted by abnormal breathing.

Snoring can actually point to deeper health issues that affect your sleep, your energy, and your overall well-being.

In this blog, we will explain what oral surgeons can do to help you get the restful sleep you need.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Oral surgeons treat sleep apnea by focusing on structural issues that block your airway. Using jaw advancement surgery, they reposition the jaw to open the airway, improve breathing, and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles in your upper airways (your throat, soft tissues, and jaw) relax too much during sleep.

This relaxation causes a temporary blockage of your airway. Think of it as a traffic jam in your airway that happens every few seconds. Each blockage leads to a pause in breathing, drops in oxygen levels, and some serious disruptions in your sleep cycle.

If you’ve noticed yourself experiencing daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, headaches, high blood pressure, or loud snoring, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.

OSA can affect your heart health, increase daytime fatigue, and negatively impact your overall quality of life.

How Do Oral Surgeons Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea?

Oral surgeons play an important role in treating obstructive sleep apnea, especially when it’s related to the anatomy of your jaw bones, soft tissues, or airway size.

They might not be the first step in every diagnosis, but they work closely with a team of sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers to create a personalized treatment plan.

The diagnosis often starts with a sleep study, which can be done at an overnight sleep center or with home sleep monitoring equipment.

These studies measure blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and other crucial indicators. Once your sleep study points toward sleep apnea, an oral surgeon will analyze your jaw structure, airway space, and bite pattern.

When Is Jaw Surgery the Right Solution for Sleep Apnea

Sometimes, the culprit of obstructive sleep apnea is a narrow or misaligned jaw structure.

In these cases, surgical options can provide a permanent solution.

Oral surgeons specialize in a procedure called corrective jaw surgery (Orthognathic surgery). This procedure moves the upper, lower or both your upper and lower jaw forward to expand your airway space. It’s an effective way to address airway obstruction caused by jaw structure issues. 

Jaw surgery ensures proper alignment of your jaw, bite, and facial aesthetics while improving your airway size. 

This surgery is done in conjunction with a trained orthodontist to make sure the teeth are properly aligned following jaw surgery. 

These procedures offer a high success rate for sleep apnea patients, especially when the airway obstruction is due to jaw and facial structure issues.

Alternative Treatments

Not every sleep apnea case requires jaw surgery.

Sometimes, the blockage is caused by other factors, like:

  • Excessive soft tissue tension in your throat or mouth
  • Issues with your tongue position blocking the airway

In these cases, other treatments may include:

  • Positive airway pressure devices (CPAP machines): A non-surgical option that maintains an open airway by delivering a continuous stream of air.
  • Dental appliances: Custom-made sleep apnea appliances that adjust your jaw or tongue position to keep your airway open.
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can also make a significant difference.

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon?

Oral surgeons have extensive experience in jaw surgery, maxillofacial procedures, and everything related to the mouth, jaw, and facial structure.

They don’t just focus on fixing only sleep apnea—they also care about your facial aesthetics, proper alignment, stable bite, and overall oral health.

A successful sleep apnea surgery means you not only breathe better but also enjoy a more stable bite pattern, improved facial aesthetics, and better dental health.

Ready for a Permanent Sleep Solution? Jaw Surgery in Boulder, CO

Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of another night of restful sleep.

Whether it’s through a surgical procedure like maxillomandibular advancement or non-surgical treatments, our goal is simple: to improve your oxygen levels, sleep cycle, and overall quality of life.

Ready to take the first step toward better sleep and a healthier life?

Schedule a consultation with our board-certified oral surgeons in Boulder, CO. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and get you back to enjoying life—awake, alert, and well-rested.

📍 Visit us at 1420 28th St, #100, Boulder, CO 80303
📞 Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Boulder, CO.

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