East Side Dental Specialists
315-637-3930
find us on facebook
  • Oral Surgery Patient Information
    • Introduction
      • General Information
      • First Visit
      • Scheduling
    • Pediatric Patients - Special Note
    • Wisdom Teeth & Impacted Teeth
      • Dialogue
    • Impacted Canines
      • Dialogue
      • CBCT (Three-dimensional Imaging)
    • Dental Implants
      • Dialogue
      • CBCT (Three-dimensional Imaging)
      • Cases
    • Bone Grafting & Socket Preservation
    • Biopsies
    • Injuries to the Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Home Care/ Post-Op Instructions
      • Instructions For Patients Wishing IV Sedation Or Nitrous Oxide
      • After Extractions
      • After 3rd Molar
      • After Exposure
      • After Implant
    • CBCT (Three-dimensional Imaging) & Digital Films
    • Read Previous Reviews
    • Submit a Review
  • Endodontic Patient Information
    • General Information
      • We Create Comfort For You
      • What's A Root Canal?
      • Before Your First Visit
      • Your First Visit
      • Why Come For a Consultation?
      • Scheduling
      • FAQs
    • Home Care Instructions
      • Before Your First Visit Checklist
      • Instructions Prior to Root Canal Treatment
      • Instructions For Patients Wishing IV Sedation Or Nitrous Oxide
      • Instructions After Root Canal Treatment
      • Instructions for Relief of Abscess
      • Instructions If You Have Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
      • Instructions for the Treatment of a Hematoma
    • CT Scan & Digital Films
    • Scientific Explanation
      • Non-Surgical Endodontic Treatment
      • Endodontic Retreatment
      • Cracked Teeth
      • Endodontic Surgery
      • Traumatic Dental Injuries
    • Interactive Overview of Root Canal Treatment
    • A few Teeth Treated by Dr. Katsarsky
    • Some Interesting CBCT Findings
    • Links of Interest
  • Referring Doctors
    • Endodontic Referrals
      • General Information
      • Referral Form
      • A few Cases Treated by Dr. Katsarsky
      • Some Interesting CBCT Findings
      • Links of Interest
      • Publications of Interest
    • Oral Surgery Referrals
  • Patient Education Videos
  • HOME
  • MEET US
    • Meet Dr. Konys
    • Meet Dr. Katsarsky
    • Meet the Business Staff
    • Meet the Clinical Staff
    • Office Tour
  • FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    • Patient Billing
    • Payment Options
    • Dental Insurance
    • Without Dental Insurance
    • Please note…
    • Arrange a Payment Plan
    • Privacy Policy
  • PATIENT REGISTRATION
  • HELPFUL FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS
    • Before Your First Visit Checklist
    • Instructions Prior to Root Canal Treatment
    • Instructions After Your Treatment Visit
    • Instructions for Relief of Abscess
    • Instructions If You Have Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
    • Instructions for the Treatment of a Hematoma
    • After Extractions
    • After 3rd Molar
    • After Exposure
    • After Implant

Sleep Apnea

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.

Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.

Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.

The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.

In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.

There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a simple oral appliance that Dr. Konys can fabricate. In more severe cases, or cases that do not respond to appliance therapy, a nasal CPAP machine may be required to deliver pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night.

Finally, some patients require surgery to correct their obstructive sleep apnea. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures are usually performed by an Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and Dr. Konys can help you find a qualified surgeon to perform them.

OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.

Return to Top

7201 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066
315-637-3930

Home • Oral Surgery Patient Information • Endodontic Patient Information • Referring Doctors • Patient Education Videos • Meet Us • Financial Information
Patient Registration • Helpful Forms/Instructions • Disclaimer • Sitemap • Dental Website Design by PBHS 2012©