Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment in the DFW Area
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.
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, Dr. Warner will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, he can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is performed 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 nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. 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 usually performed under light IV sedation in the office.
In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two days overnight stay in the hospital.
OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Reviews
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Facial & Oral Surgery Associates
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The staff and Dr Kao are friendly, professional and efficient. I would recommend to anyone.
- Beverly A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went exactly as planned, which is what you want with these kind of things.
- Lindsey B
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Great staff to work with and Doctor Kao is an excellent surgeon with excellent credentials, wonderful communication skills, and good value provided for procedures. Would highly recommend!
- Mike B
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Dr. Kao and all the staff were exceptional! Very friendly and everyone who I dealt with were extremely knowledgeable as well as always showing concern for my well being.
- Kenneth P
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Dr. Williams and his entire staff are top notch. In my mind, he went above and beyond the call of duty and spent probably 90 minutes explaining the dental implant procedure and answering a ton of questions on behalf of my mom. I enthusiastically recommend him if you are exploring dental implant surgery.
- Myrna H
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Very positive, uplifting experience. Quick in being taken care of. Pleasant, knowledgeable staff and Doctor Warner 'oozing' with confidence and GREAT/pleasant bedside manner. An overall excellent experience. Would recommend him in a heartbeat!
- Dan B
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Highly recommend Dr Koa and his entire staff ! So refreshing to be cared for by a team that cares about you and your well being and not what is in it for them. They work with you to help you understand what the best outcome for YOU would be. Thank you for caring for and about me!!!”
- Marsha F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleasant place, better than any Dr,s office I have ever been in. You are treated like a human instead of like most Dr,s office visits where it seems like an imposition to them. Great staff and Dr,s. They made room for me even though I did not have an appt. All around very GOOD EXPERIANCE.
- Joe B
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The experience was painless and explained. I knew exactly what to expect. The doctor and staff were all great!
- Gregory P
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Great Staff, Great Doc! Took the caring time to explain as well as answer any question. Went into surgery without a worry of having the procedure. Thank You.
- Kelly M
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Excellent care by Dr. Mao!
- Jerry B
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Dr Kao and staff were wonderful. He was very kind, capable, and professional. Had no problems with the work that was done.
- Susan P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend Dr. Kao to anyone needing an oral surgeon. In my mind, he is the best. His training, experience, and surgical skills are top notch. I hold him in the highest regard.
- Steve B
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I wouldn’t go anywhere else for teeth extractions or implants
- Melinda M
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Great experience. Communication from the Dr. and all the staff was exceptional. Procedure could not of had a better outcome. Thank you!
- Gregory B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I can't say enough good about this office. The doctors and staff are so kind, compassionate and at the same time professional. Extremely knowledgeable in their specialty and I would have no qualms recommending someone to their practice. Thank you for your care!
- Loreen G
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Professional, and straightforward. Terrific staff. Dr. Kao was capable, and personable. A top rate experience from a medical group with prolific medical experience.
- Rod B
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It sounds a bit odd to say that I just loved being here for the procedure and follow up....but I did! It was painless, pleasant, and even fun at times. Yes, enjoyable! Plus, the needed work was done in a very professional atmosphere. I had no problems with anything. I do hope I don't need any more oral surgery, but if I do I will CERTAINLY go back to Dr. Kao.
- Mary B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff and Dr. Kao were all very friendly and professional. Took the time to make patient feel comfortable with their procedure and did not rush the decision making process. Dr. Kao was straight forward and honest with advice on procedures and projected outcomes.
- Seon E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had two dental implants done by Dr. Kao and each time he did an amazing job on my dental implants. He was always very kind, professional,patient and understanding. He explained the entire procedure to me before the actual surgery. I am so pleased, my dental implants turned out great!! I thank God !!! The reason why I am so happy is because, I had one implant done prior to coming to Dr. Kao by a different doctor but the implant failed. I was recommended to Dr. Kao by my general dentist as one of the best at doing implants. He had to remove the failing implant and then replace it. He did such a wonderful job, I came back to have my second dental implant done. One of The best decisions I made I don't regret it. The staff in the office was always pleasant, kind and willing to answer any questions.. I recommend Facial and Oral Associates as one of the best places for dental implants, extractions or any detail dental work. and Dr. Kao as one of the best dentists for any dental surgery you may need.
- Brenda H