Sleep Apnea
Get Lasting Relief Without CPAP
Reclaim Restful Nights With Surgical Care for Sleep Apnea in Norfolk
Restful sleep can transform how you feel from the moment you wake up. When your airway stays open at night, your energy returns and the people you love can finally sleep quietly too. Our practice treats sleep apnea in Norfolk by addressing the jaw structure that narrows your airway. For many people, maxillomandibular advancement, or MMA, offers a long-term option when a CPAP machine has been hard to use. The surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws to create lasting room for breathing.
Treatment begins with a sleep study from your physician, followed by a detailed evaluation of your jaws and airway. Our team coordinates with your other providers at each stage of your care. Schedule a consultation to learn whether surgery could help you sleep better.
Learn How Untreated Airway Problems Affect Your Health
Untreated airway problems during sleep can affect your health well beyond simply feeling tired. Repeated breathing pauses lower oxygen levels and strain the heart, raising the risk of high blood pressure. Daytime drowsiness can also make driving less safe and focusing at work more difficult.
The path to better sleep starts with a physician-ordered sleep study. If jaw structure plays a role, your surgeon will evaluate your bite and airway with 3-D imaging and create a detailed surgical plan. Maxillomandibular advancement surgery then moves both jaws forward to open the airway.
Recovery involves a soft diet and several weeks of healing. Afterward, a follow-up sleep study confirms how much your breathing has improved. Many people notice deeper sleep and more daytime energy soon after recovery.
Get real help for sleep apnea in Norfolk by reaching out to our team today.
Better Heart Health
Steadier breathing at night lowers strain on your heart and can help reduce blood pressure.
Sharper Daytime Focus
Deeper sleep helps you think clearly and stay alert at work and behind the wheel.
Quieter Nights
An open airway can reduce loud snoring, helping your partner and family rest more peacefully too.
Life Without CPAP
Many people no longer need a CPAP machine after surgery, making bedtime simpler and more comfortable.
Improved Mood
Restful nights can ease irritability and help you feel more like yourself during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Q What are the health risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Repeated drops in oxygen strain the body each night. Daytime drowsiness also increases the chance of car accidents. Over time, poor sleep can affect memory and mood. Stroke risk also rises with long-term breathing problems. Treatment lowers these risks.
Q Can sleep apnea affect my heart?
Sleep apnea can affect your heart by causing repeated drops in oxygen and sudden spikes in blood pressure during sleep. Over time, this strain may lead to high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Treating the condition often helps protect heart health and lowers the risk of serious problems. Your physician can assess heart risks.
Q Does snoring always mean sleep apnea?
Snoring does not always mean sleep apnea, but loud, frequent snoring can be a warning sign. Sleep apnea often includes gasping or pauses in breathing. Many people who snore do not have it. A sleep study is the only way to know for sure. Daytime fatigue alongside snoring is another clue worth discussing.
Q Will I need another sleep study after jaw surgery?
You will usually need another sleep study after jaw surgery to measure how much your breathing has improved. This follow-up study typically happens a few months after healing. Comparing the results with your original study shows the success of treatment and whether any further care is needed. Many people see dramatic improvement.
Q How do I know if jaw surgery is right for my sleep apnea?
Jaw surgery may be right for your sleep apnea if a sleep study confirms moderate to severe obstruction and your jaw structure narrows the airway. People who struggle with CPAP often consider surgery. An evaluation with 3-D imaging helps determine whether moving the jaws forward would improve breathing. Overall health also matters.
Q How soon will I sleep better after maxillomandibular advancement surgery?
Many people sleep better within a few weeks after maxillomandibular advancement surgery, once swelling goes down. Early nights may be uncomfortable because of healing and a soft diet. As the jaws heal, breathing during sleep usually improves noticeably. Full benefits are often clear within a few months. A follow-up sleep study confirms progress.
Q Is sleep apnea surgery done in a hospital?
Sleep apnea surgery is usually done in a hospital under general anesthesia. Because it involves both jaws, many people stay one or two nights for monitoring. This allows the care team to manage swelling and pain closely. Most people return home once they can drink fluids comfortably and breathe easily. Recovery then continues at home.
Q Will my bite change after sleep apnea surgery?
Your bite may change slightly after sleep apnea surgery, but it is carefully planned so your teeth still meet properly. Because both jaws move forward together, the relationship between upper and lower teeth stays balanced. Some people need braces before or after surgery to fine-tune alignment. Proper bite alignment helps chewing feel comfortable.
