NavigationSleep Apnea − Wilmington DE
Wilmington DE Oral Surgeon, Louis K. Rafetto, DMD, can cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea with a variety of sleep apnea treatments. Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway, interfering with normal air flow. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation can lead to serious problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.
Treatment
The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offer consultation and treatment options. Dr. Rafetto will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. An evaluation to determine the degree of decreased oxygenation levels may be recommended (a sleep study to monitor individuals overnight). If necessary, this is usually done by a specialist in sleep disorders.
Treatment options include use of a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. Another common option is the use of a splint that positions the mandible (lower jaw) in a forward position, intended to open up the airway.
Sometimes, surgical options should be considered. These include a uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometime done with the assistance of a laser and is called a Laser Assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. In complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (Orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires 1 to 2 days overnight stay in the hospital.