Sleep Apnea Treatment
Waking up tired, struggling to stay focused, or hearing about your snoring from a partner are all signs worth taking seriously. Sleep apnea is a treatable condition, and the right care can return the rest you’ve been missing.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep. As breathing starts and stops throughout the night, your body wakes up repeatedly, even if you don’t remember it.
Common signs include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue, even after a full night’s rest
- Morning headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
In some cases, the position of the upper and lower jaws can contribute to the issue. When the jaws sit too far back, there may not be enough room to keep the airway open during sleep.
Treatment Options
Sleep apnea care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on the severity of your condition, your anatomy, and how well you respond to different therapies.
For many patients, treatment begins with non-surgical care. CPAP therapy uses gentle air pressure to keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device that repositions the jaw to improve airflow.
When these options aren’t effective or comfortable, surgery may offer a more lasting solution. Options can include:
- Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) to move the jaws forward and create more space for the airway
- Genioglossus advancement (GA) to reposition the tongue muscles and reduce airway collapse
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess tissue from the throat
- Additional procedures based on your anatomy
Dr. Erakat will walk you through the options that best fit your case at your consultation.
What to Expect
The first step is identifying what’s causing the obstruction. If you haven’t yet had a sleep study, Dr. Erakat can coordinate with your physician or refer you for testing.
Once sleep apnea is confirmed, a thorough exam and 3D imaging help map your airway and jaw structure. From there, Dr. Erakat will design a treatment plan to improve your breathing and the quality of your sleep.
A Plan Built Around You
If surgery is part of your treatment, you’ll receive clear instructions before the procedure and guidance throughout recovery, so nothing about the process feels uncertain.
With advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and access to digital treatment planning, Dr. Erakat offers both surgical and non-surgical care based on what your unique needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Better sleep can significantly improve your day. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and Dr. Erakat will help you understand what’s going on and what better sleep could look like for you.
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
A few of the questions patients ask most when they start exploring care.
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, morning headaches, and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. The most accurate way to confirm sleep apnea is with a sleep study. If your symptoms point to a sleep-related breathing issue, Dr. Erakat can help guide you toward the best next step to take.
CPAP is often the first option recommended, but it’s far from the only one. Some patients do well with an oral appliance, and others benefit from surgical care that addresses the underlying cause. Your treatment plan will depend on your anatomy, symptoms, goals, and the results of your sleep study.
For the right person, surgery can offer significant, long-lasting improvement. Procedures that reposition the jaws or reduce airway obstruction are designed to address the structural causes of sleep apnea. At your consultation, Dr. Erakat will let you know whether a surgical approach is likely to help in your case.