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2266 Mission St SE
Salem, OR 97302
503-375-2000 1-800-394-8333
1040 SW 24th Avenue
Albany, OR 97321
541-924-9000 1-800-861-9408
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 and air flow stops. 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 lead to very serious cardiovascular 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.
The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.
In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor individuals overnight.
There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is 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. These are procedure usually performed under light intravenous sedation in the office.
In more 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.
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Drs. Howerton, Hopkin & Kennedy, Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery
Salem Address: 2266 Mission St SE • Salem OR 97302 • Phone: 503-375-2000 Toll Free: 1-800-394-8333
Albany Address: 1040 SW 24th Avenue • Albany OR 97321 Phone: 541-924-9000 Toll Free: 1-800-861-9408
Dr Howerton, Dr Hopkin & Dr Kennedy your Salem OR Oral Surgeons and Albany OR Oral Surgeons provide Oral Maxillofacial Surgery including Dental Implants,
Wisdom Teeth Removal, Jaw Surgery, Bone Grafting, Cleft Lip and Palate, TMJ, Sleep Apnea and Facial Trauma Treatment.
Drs. Howerton, Hopkin & Kennedy serve the Oregon communities of Salem OR, Albany OR, Corvallis, Woodburn, Dallas OR, Independence OR,
Newport OR, Lincoln City OR, Philomath, Sweet Home OR.
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