If you’re constantly waking up tired, struggling with loud snoring, or gasping for air during the night, your airway may be to blame. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can disrupt your breathing many times per hour, preventing the deep, restorative rest your body needs. Although CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes help many patients, others need a more permanent solution. That’s where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can make a difference.
What Happens During Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
In OSA, the airway becomes blocked when throat and tongue muscles relax during sleep. Soft tissues collapse into the airway, interrupting airflow and forcing the body to wake briefly to resume breathing. These events may happen repeatedly, even if you do not fully wake up.
Common symptoms include daytime fatigue, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Untreated sleep apnea can also raise the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
When these breathing interruptions are caused by anatomy — such as jaw position or excess tissue — oral surgery may help correct the root cause.
When Should Someone Consider Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is typically considered when other treatments have not helped or are not tolerated. CPAP machines are highly effective, but many patients struggle with discomfort, mask leakage, or sleep disruption. Oral appliances that reposition the jaw may also fall short if the airway problem is more severe.
An oral surgeon can evaluate the structure of your airway using imaging and a physical examination. If the blockage is physical rather than behavioral, surgery may be the most effective option for long-term relief.
What Surgery Options Can Improve Sleep?
Different procedures target different parts of the airway:
Soft tissue procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) remove or reshape excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway. This can significantly reduce snoring and breathing interruptions.
If the base of the tongue blocks the airway, a procedure called genioglossus advancement can reposition the tongue muscles forward.
For more significant airway narrowing, maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) repositions both the upper and lower jaws to create more space behind the tongue and soft palate. MMA has one of the highest success rates for correcting severe apnea.
Some patients may also benefit from repositioning the hyoid bone to help stabilize the airway during sleep.
Your oral surgeon will determine whether one or a combination of procedures is necessary to effectively open the airway.
How Can Surgery Improve Quality of Life?
When the airway remains open through the night, breathing becomes smooth and continuous. Rest returns to normal sleep cycles, improving daytime alertness, concentration, and mood. Many patients report reduced snoring, fewer morning headaches, and more energy.
Over time, improved breathing may also provide health benefits such as better cardiovascular function. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, surgery may allow them to finally sleep soundly without depending on a device every night.
Are There Limits to What Surgery Can Do?
Surgery is not right for every patient with sleep apnea. If the primary source of airway restriction is weight-related or nasal in nature, other treatments may be more effective. That is why a thorough airway evaluation is essential.
Recovery can involve short-term soreness or swelling, depending on the procedure. Your surgeon will provide clear aftercare guidance to support healing and long-term results.
How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate?
You may benefit from surgical evaluation if you:
- Struggle with CPAP.
- Snore loudly or stop breathing during sleep.
- Wake up unrefreshed, even after a full night’s rest.
- Have a diagnosed small airway or recessed jaw.
A coordinated plan with both a sleep physician and an oral surgeon helps ensure your treatment is tailored to your needs.
South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Help Patients Sleep Better
The South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can evaluate your airway, explain your surgical options, and help you find a long-term solution for better sleep and better health. Call us today at 856-582-4222 or fill out the online form for an initial consultation. With offices located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve patients across South Jersey.