Surgery for Sleep Apnea in Hilliard, OH

Please note we may not offer this treatment at our office. Contact (614) 771-6060 to learn more.

Surgery May Help Erase Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring. It can result in daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and even severe health risks such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. 

While lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy remain the first-line treatments, some individuals may explore surgical interventions when these methods prove ineffective or difficult to tolerate. If you’re looking for sleep apnea treatment in Hilliard, contact our sleep dentist today to schedule an appointment. Call us at (614) 771-6060 to get started. 

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where one struggles with pauses in breathing during sleep. There are different types of sleep apnea, including:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, OSA occurs when throat muscles relax too much, causing airway obstruction.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Here, the brain fails to send the correct signals to the breathing muscles.
• Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea: This type of sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.

If a patient needs sleep apnea surgery, they typically have severe obstructive sleep apnea. Your dentist or sleep specialist will recommend the best treatment for you.

Types of Sleep Apnea Surgery

Surgery for sleep apnea is usually a last resort treatment. However, various surgical treatments may be recommended, including:

1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): UPPP is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess tissue from the throat, including the uvula and parts of the soft palate, to widen the airway and alleviate obstruction.
2. Genioglossus Advancement (GA): GA repositions the base of the tongue forward to prevent it from collapsing into the throat during sleep.
3. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): MMA repositions the upper and lower jaw to enlarge the airway, creating more space for airflow.
4. Inspire Therapy: Inspire therapy is an innovative approach involving the implantation of a device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, thereby preventing airway blockage during sleep.
5. Palate Implants: Small rods or implants are inserted into the soft palate to stiffen it, reducing snoring and airway collapse.
6. Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction: These surgeries address structural issues within the nose, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, contributing to sleep apnea.

To learn more about surgical options, contact our dental team today.

Sleep Apnea Surgery Candidates

Surgery is recommended when other treatments like CPAP and oral appliance therapy prove ineffective. You may be a candidate if:

• You have severe OSA that hasn’t responded to non-invasive treatments.
• You are unable to tolerate CPAP.
• You have specific anatomical issues, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils.

A thorough evaluation will determine if you’re suitable for surgery.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Surgery

Patients can experience the following benefits after undergoing sleep apnea surgery:

• Improved Sleep Quality: Surgery helps reduce or eliminate breathing interruptions, improving overall sleep quality.
• Reduced Snoring: Many surgical treatments reduce snoring, which benefits both you and your partner.
• Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Issues: Surgery can lower the risk of sleep apnea-related cardiovascular problems like hypertension​.
• Decreased Dependence on CPAP: Some patients experience enough improvement post-surgery to no longer require CPAP therapy.

The Surgery Process

Most sleep apnea surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. Recovery times vary, but patients can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks. 

Ensure a smooth recovery by following these steps:

1. Post-Operative Pain Management: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort during the initial recovery period.
2. Dietary and Activity Guidelines: Follow dietary recommendations and avoid strenuous activities as directed by your surgeon.
3. Follow-up Appointments and Monitoring: Attend postoperative appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Implement lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and practicing good sleep hygiene to maximize the benefits of surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like with any surgical procedure, there are a few risks and complications patients should be aware of. These can include:

• Infection: Although rare, surgical site infections can occur and require prompt medical attention.
• Bleeding: Post-operative bleeding may occur and should be reported to your healthcare provider.
• Alterations in Voice: Some procedures may temporarily affect your voice, but this is usually temporary and resolves over time.
• Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling and discomfort are common after surgery but typically subside within a few weeks.
• Surgical Outcomes: The effectiveness varies among individuals, and success rates depend on factors like the type of surgery and the severity of sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Surgery Costs

The average cost of a sleep apnea surgery ranges between $6,000 and $10,000. Your total cost will depend on various factors, including:

1. Type of Surgery: The type of sleep apnea surgery chosen plays a significant role in determining the cost. Procedures like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or Inspire Therapy will have different price ranges.
2. Location: The cost of medical procedures varies by region and within cities. Typically, procedures in urban areas with higher living costs may be more expensive than in rural areas.
3. Surgeon’s Fees: The surgeon’s fees can vary based on their experience and reputation. Surgeons with more expertise may charge higher fees.
4. Anesthesia and Facility Fees: Anesthesia costs and facility fees associated with the surgical center or hospital where the procedure is performed will contribute to the overall cost.
5. Pre-operative and Post-operative Care: Costs can also include preoperative consultations, sleep studies, diagnostic tests, postoperative follow-up appointments, and medications.
6. Insurance Coverage: The extent of insurance coverage can significantly impact out-of-pocket expenses. Some insurance plans may partially or fully cover sleep apnea surgery if deemed medically necessary.
7. Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Patients should consider co-pays, deductibles, and any other out-of-pocket expenses associated with their insurance plan.
8. Additional Costs: Depending on the surgery and the patient’s specific needs, there may be additional costs for special equipment, such as home humidifiers or adjustments to CPAP devices.