Oral Surgery: Sleep Apnea

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) involves removing the uvula and excess tissue to prevent your airway from being blocked while asleep. UPPP is the most common obstructive sleep apnea surgery used to treat OSA.

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is another surgery for OSA. It involves breaking and repositioning the upper and lower jaws to expand the airway. 

Dentists may use palate expanders to treat sleep apnea. These dental appliances gradually expand the upper jaw. This expansion eliminates obstructions causing sleep apnea, ensuring those who receive this treatment get enough oxygen while sleeping.

Your surgical options also include hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS). With HGNS, surgeons install a device that stimulates the nerves controlling your tongue, keeping your tongue from blocking your airway when you’re asleep.

Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) is another surgical treatment for OSA. This treatment involves removing tissue at the base of your tongue to prevent it from blocking your airway. Some people with OSA may also have lingualplasty, a surgery to reduce their tongue size

The best sleep apnea surgery depends on your type of sleep apnea. While nerve stimulation may be an effective treatment for central sleep apnea (CSA), tissue reduction won’t restore your brain signals. Determining the best surgical treatment for your sleep apnea begins with identifying the root causes of your condition. 

Success rates for sleep apnea surgery vary. Since recovery takes time, the period between surgery and post-surgery assessment affects results. Studies may also use different metrics to determine success. Depending on the study, UPPP’s success rate ranges from 16% to 83%. 

Depending on the metrics used to measure success, the success rate for MMA can be as high as 86%. This rate reflects a significant improvement in airflow, as 43% of those who undergo MMA achieve optimum airflow after surgery.