Quality sleep is essential for living a healthy, balanced life. It improves brain function, stabilizes mood, and supports both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, for individuals with sleep apnea, restful sleep can seem out of reach. If not treated, this common sleep problem can raise the risk of serious health issues like high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, consulting with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an orofacial pain specialist could be the key to finding relief. With expertise in jaw structure and airway issues, these doctors can diagnose and treat the root causes of your sleep disorder through surgical and non-surgical solutions.
The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Your Health
The quality of your sleep is just as important as how much sleep you get. Adults need 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, while children require even more. Disorders like obstructive sleep apnea disrupt REM sleep, preventing your body from fully recharging.
Chronic sleep deprivation caused by conditions like obstructive sleep apnea can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Depression
- Increased risk of workplace and traffic accidents
Sleep deprivation is more than just feeling tired—it can drastically impact your ability to enjoy everyday activities, from exercising to spending time with loved ones. If sleep problems are affecting your health or quality of life, an oral surgeon may help uncover the underlying causes and provide effective treatment options.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a widespread yet frequently under-diagnosed sleep disorder. It affects approximately 30 million adults in the U.S., causing repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses, which may last several seconds, disrupt the natural sleep cycle and prevent deep, restorative rest.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth
- Loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air at night (often observed by a partner)
The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, often due to jaw structure or airway positioning. This can cause the tongue to block airflow, leading to fragmented sleep.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Although there’s no medication to cure sleep apnea, several highly effective treatments are available. Oral surgeons and orofacial pain specialists are experts in addressing the structural causes of sleep apnea and developing personalized treatment plans.
Surgical Treatment Options
For patients whose sleep apnea is linked to jaw structure or misalignment, corrective jaw surgery can reposition the jaw to open the airway, providing lasting relief. Additionally, oral surgeons can address other related conditions, such as teeth grinding or clenching, that may contribute to poor sleep quality.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For many patients, non-surgical approaches can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, including:
Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight, quitting smoking, or changing your sleep position.
CPAP Machines: A CPAP device uses continuous air pressure to keep your airway open throughout the night, improving sleep quality for many users.
Oral Appliances: Custom-fit mouthpieces designed by an oral surgeon can reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain airflow during sleep.
By consulting with an oral surgeon or orofacial pain specialist, you’ll receive expert guidance on which treatment options are best suited to your specific needs.
Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea often stems from craniofacial abnormalities or jaw misalignment, areas where oral surgeons have advanced expertise. Their training allows them to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of sleep apnea, offering solutions that go beyond surface-level symptom management. Unlike general practitioners, oral surgeons focus on the structural components of sleep apnea, ensuring a more comprehensive and long-term approach to treatment.
Reclaim Restful Sleep—and Your Quality of Life
Living with sleep apnea doesn’t have to be your reality. If you’re constantly fatigued, waking up with headaches, or keeping your partner awake with loud snoring, it’s time to seek professional help.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can identify what is causing your sleep apnea and help you find treatments that will improve your sleep.
Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Schedule a sleep apnea treatment consultation with a sleep apnea expert at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery today. With the right treatment, you can regain control of your sleep and experience the benefits of a healthier, more fulfilling life.