Types of Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing during your sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea that’s found in Torrance, California and across the country. OSA occurs when your airway gets blocked during your sleep, preventing you from physically taking in air.

A CPAP is the most popular treatment for OSA. This machine constantly forces air into your airway, allowing you to breathe at night. CPAPs can be life-changing for many people while others find them to be more of a burden and can’t tolerate them. For these folks, surgery may be an option.

Types of Sleep Apnea Surgery

There are different ways that sleep apnea can be treated with surgery.  Some of the following include:

Nasal Surgery

Nasal obstruction and chronic congestion may be the cause of your sleeping problems. During nasal surgery we create more room in the nose so that air can pass through smoothly, allowing you to breathe more easily.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

UPPP removes excess tissue from the soft palate and pharynx, which prevents the tissue from collapsing and blocking your airway. 

Soft Palate Implants (Pillar Procedure)

Soft palate implants are placed in the soft palate, resulting in an inflammatory response that stiffens the soft palate.

Tongue Advancement

Tongue advancement is a rather invasive procedure but it does work well. By advancing the tongue forward, it won’t fall backward while you sleep and block your airway.

Which Treatment Is Best For You?

If you suffer from sleep apnea and want an option other than a cumbersome CPAP machine, then call Torrance Oral Surgery Center. Benjamin Yagoubian DDS, MD is happy to advise you on the proper treatment. We look forward to meeting you.