Did you know that around 22 million Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? This condition doesn’t just make you tired—it can also raise your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health concerns if it’s not treated.
The encouraging news is that effective solutions are available right here in Elmhurst. At Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team specializes in treating sleep apnea with both surgical and non-surgical approaches that improve breathing, restore restful sleep, and protect your long-term health.
In this guide, you’ll learn what sleep apnea is, why it matters, and how our Elmhurst oral surgeons can help you take back control of your nights—and your days.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. Most often, this is because the muscles in your throat relax too much, making it harder for air to flow.
These pauses in breathing can last seconds—or over a minute—and may happen dozens of times per hour. Risk factors include:
- Being overweight or having a larger neck circumference
- A family history of sleep apnea
- Structural differences in the jaw or airway
- Smoking or alcohol use before bed
Symptoms can include loud snoring, waking up gasping, morning headaches, and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re signs your body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs.
Why Untreated Sleep Apnea Is Risky
When your brain and body experience repeated oxygen drops overnight, it can cause:
- High blood pressure – Your heart works harder to make up for the oxygen shortage.
- Heart disease and stroke – Low oxygen levels strain your cardiovascular system.
- Type 2 diabetes – Interrupted sleep affects how your body processes blood sugar.
It can also affect your mood, focus, and energy levels—making work, driving, and daily activities harder.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
The most common treatment is a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which keeps your airway open with a steady flow of air. While effective, CPAP masks can feel uncomfortable, and some patients stop using them.
Other options include:
- Custom oral appliances – These reposition your jaw or tongue to improve airflow.
- Lifestyle changes – Losing weight, adjusting sleeping positions, avoiding alcohol at night.
- Surgical solutions – When the structure of your jaw or airway is the cause, surgery can provide a lasting improvement.
How Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Helps
Our Elmhurst oral surgeons treat more than just dental concerns—they also address airway issues that cause sleep apnea.
One of the most effective procedures we offer is corrective jaw surgery (maxillomandibular advancement or MMA). This surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws forward to create a larger airway.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Patients who choose MMA surgery at Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Elmhurst often experience:
- Fewer apnea events at night
- Better oxygen levels and deeper sleep
- More daytime energy and focus
- Reduced or eliminated need for CPAP therapy
Recovery may involve temporary swelling and changes to your diet, but the long-term benefits—better health, better sleep, and reduced health risks—are well worth it.
Why Patients Choose Our Elmhurst Practice
At Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we combine medical expertise with a patient-first approach. Our team will:
- Thoroughly evaluate your airway and sleep study results
- Recommend treatment options tailored to your needs
- Provide supportive follow-up care so you get the best results
We’ve helped patients from Elmhurst, Wilder Park, and across DuPage County breathe easier, sleep better, and regain their quality of life.
