Seven to eight hours of sleep at night would leave you well-rested and prepared for the next day’s activities. However, not everyone wakes up feeling energetic and fresh; rather, many feel fatigued or exhausted even after spending an entire night sleeping. This health issue can be associated with Sleep Apnea, which is a serious and life-threatening disease that affects the normal breathing process while someone sleeps. With the development of jaw surgeries, people with sleep apnea are now getting permanent treatment to overcome their problem.
Sleep apnea is a disease whereby a person stops and starts breathing a number of times during sleep due to obstructed air passages. Consequently, insufficient amounts of oxygen are provided to the brain and the entire body, hence affecting the sleep quality. Some of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea are loud snoring, fatigue during the day, headaches, inability to concentrate, and insomnia.
The most common form of sleep apnea is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The reason for OSA is that the throat muscles relax, blocking the entrance of air into the lungs. Patients with sleep apnea do not know that they have this health problem since it occurs during sleep. Additionally, sleep apnea is associated with the onset of different diseases like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Doctors normally recommend changes in behavior, nutrition, weight loss, or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP machines keep the airways patent by supplying continuous air flow through a face mask to either the nose or mouth while the individual sleeps. Although very effective, CPAP is not tolerated well by most individuals.
Advanced jaw surgery is indicated for treatment of cases with severe obstructive sleep apnea where previous treatments have failed. This surgery is popularly known as Maxillomandibular Advancement. In maxillomandibular advancement, the maxilla and mandible are advanced, increasing the airway size and allowing for easier breathing.
One main purpose of the procedure is to ensure there is enough room between the tongue and throat area. There will be a great reduction in breathing pauses once the airways get wider. Studies have shown that jaw advancement surgery can be very effective in improving sleep quality for those who suffer from sleep apnea.
There is yet another reason as to why jaw advancement surgery is a good choice when it comes to dealing with sleep apnea. It is not only used for symptom treatment. The goal is to treat the cause of the problem. In contrast to CPAP therapy, it eliminates all causes of the problems that come with sleep apnea. Some of the benefits include increased energy and concentration.
However, jaw surgery is an intricate medical process that might not be for everyone. Doctors usually recommend that one undergoes this procedure only after undertaking extensive tests. Recovery from the surgery may take a few weeks, during which time the patient may experience some swelling, pain, or dietary restrictions.
The health care providers have stressed the importance of diagnosing sleep apnea at an early stage before it worsens. Most people do not understand that their excessive sleepiness and/or snoring are symptoms of an underlying disease. Seeking a sleep specialist will assist in diagnosing the problem.
Modern technology has also made jaw surgeries more accurate and safe thanks to the use of advanced imaging techniques and surgical planning. With increased public knowledge on sleep disorders, many patients are turning to surgery for a permanent solution to their problem.
In summary, modern jaw surgery provides a promising long-term treatment for people suffering from severe sleep apnea. With proper air flow and fewer episodes of interrupted breathing, individuals undergoing the treatment will have the opportunity to sleep comfortably and feel healthy and energetic. Those who continue feeling sleepy even after a full night’s rest need to consult a doctor regarding potential sleep apnea.
