Oral surgery is often recommended to correct dental traumas and for wisdom teeth removal. That said, oral surgeons also work with patients experiencing sleep apnea. This condition impacts over 18 million Americans and is defined by the repeated stopping and starting of breathing while you sleep. If you're unfamiliar with this condition, here's a brief guide to review. 

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Health?

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring throughout the night, gasping for air, pauses in breathing altogether, dry mouth, and fatigue due to poor sleep cycles. Oral surgery or sleeping accessories tend to be recommended when patients experience ongoing and increasingly severe symptoms. 

Many individuals experience extreme daytime fatigue, which can lead to depression, irritation, and difficulty staying awake. The sudden drop in blood oxygen levels while you sleep can also lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. 

Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. In addition, patients with sleep apnea are more likely to develop liver problems and may keep their households awake at night due to the loud snoring. 

How Can You Manage Sleep Apnea?

For mild cases, lifestyle changes, such as losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise routine and quitting smoking, can help curb symptoms. In some situations, sleep accessories such as oral appliances to keep your throat open can help. CPAP or "continuous positive airway pressure" machines will deliver air pressure through a special mask to keep your airwaves open. 

In more severe cases, oral surgery is highly recommended. A doctor can remove tissue from your mouth and throat as well as your tonsils to provide unobstructed air passages. Jaw repositioning surgery can also create more space for air to move in and out of your throat.

If you're suffering from sleep apnea and you'd like to explore oral surgery to combat your symptoms, Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is the practice to call. Based in Keller, TX, this dedicated team of oral surgeons has served patients across Tarrant County since 2009 with a commitment to quality, personalized care. To schedule an appointment, call today at (817) 741-2200. For more information on their specialties, from jaw surgery to dental implants, visit their website.