Common Treatments For Sleep Apnea

Surgery To Reposition The Jaw

Sleep apnea patients usually only require jaw repositioning surgery when non-invasive sleep apnea treatments like the CPAP machine don’t work for them. In most instances, doctors say a 3-month trial using other treatments is best before considering surgery. However, a small number of sleep apnea patients do benefit from surgery as the first line of treatment. This is for those who have clear issues with the structure of their jaw.

With this kind of surgery, the jaw is normally moved forward and kept in a position away from other facial bones. This helps increase the space between the patient’s tongue and soft palate. The increased space reduces the chances of the airway becoming obstructed if the patient’s tongue rolls back or their soft palate falls during sleep.

Learn about alternative breathing for sleep apnea next.