Snoring/Sleep Apnea

The Washington Institute for Mouth, Face, and Jaw Surgery can treat snoring and sleep apnea disorders using various techniques. The first step in finding the right technique is an evaluation of the patient, including sleep history, a physical examination, and Polysomnography in conjunction with input from other medical sleep specialists. Once a patient has been evaluated, the best course of action is determined.

The typical first step is behavior modification. This can range from a modification of the diet, an increase of exercise, and the reduction in the intake of alcoholic beverages and other medications.

Should these techniques prove unsuccessful, the doctor can recommend a number of options. These include:

* Jaw Repositioning Devices, which are plastic devices that fit over the teeth in an attempt to open the airway between the back of the tongue and the throat.

* Tongue Advancement Procedures, which are surgical procedures that can more permanently open the airway between the back of the tongue and the throat.

* Laser Assisted UvuloPalatoPharyngoplasty, a surgical procedure that can be performed in our office. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and has about a about 97% success rate in curing or significantly improving snoring or apnea caused by palatal obstruction.

As a final step, the Doctor can perform procedures to open the airway by surgically moving the jaws forward.