Sleep Apnea Therapy in West Jordan

Understanding Sleep Apnea

When people have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their sleep gets disturbed, and their blood oxygen levels drop. This happens because their tongue gets sucked back into their throat, blocking their upper airway and stopping airflow. When the brain notices low oxygen levels, it wakes the sleeper up slightly, clearing the throat obstruction, and air starts flowing again, often with a loud gasp.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea: Repeated episodes of low oxygen levels can lead to serious heart problems. People with sleep apnea also experience daytime sleepiness, feel down, and have trouble focusing.

Seeking Help: Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help is the first step. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Urban provide consultation and treatment options.

Assessment: Dr. Urban will take a detailed history and check the anatomy of your mouth and face. Tests like skull X-rays and nasal exams might be done. A sleep study could be recommended to measure oxygen levels and heart function while you sleep.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available:

• CPAP Machine: A machine with a mask that delivers pressurized oxygen through your nose at night to keep your airway open.
• Surgery: Procedures like UPPP or LAUPP, where the soft palate and throat tissues are adjusted to reduce blockage. These are usually done in-office with light sedation.
• Orthognathic Surgery: In more complex cases, the jaw bones may need repositioning to widen the airway. This is done in the hospital under general anesthesia.

Coverage and Care: Sleep apnea is serious but treatable. Most insurance plans cover diagnosis and treatment.

This version keeps the information clear and straightforward, focusing on what patients need to know about sleep apnea and its treatment options.