A good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health. If you snore heavily, wake up feeling tired, or experience pauses in breathing during sleep, you may have Sleep Apnea. At Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Wuertz works closely with sleep physicians and healthcare providers to help patients find effective solutions for sleep-disordered breathing.
As a provider involved in comprehensive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Houston, Dr. Wuertz evaluates patients for Oral Appliance Therapy and works with specialists when Sleep Apnea Surgery or other advanced treatment options may be appropriate.
Sleep affects nearly every system in the body. During sleep, your body repairs tissues, regulates hormones, supports immune function, and restores energy levels.
Poor sleep quality has been associated with:
When sleep is disrupted repeatedly, it can have a significant impact on your overall health and quality of life.
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur dozens of times throughout the night, reducing oxygen levels and disrupting normal sleep cycles.
The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked as the throat muscles relax during sleep.
Common symptoms include:
If you experience these symptoms, a sleep evaluation may be recommended.
An accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment begins.
Dr. Wuertz collaborates with sleep specialists throughout Houston and works closely with primary care physicians when needed. Patients may be referred for a sleep study, which can often be completed either at home or in a sleep center. These studies evaluate breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality to determine the presence and severity of Sleep Apnea.
Without treatment, Sleep Apnea may contribute to a variety of health concerns, including:
Seeking treatment may help reduce these risks while improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, airway anatomy, and individual patient needs.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine that delivers pressurized air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep. It is often considered a first-line treatment for moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy uses a custom-made oral device that repositions the jaw and tongue to help maintain an open airway while sleeping. Many patients find this option comfortable and convenient for mild to moderate Sleep Apnea.
For some patients, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments have not been successful.
Surgical treatment may involve collaboration with ENT specialists and can address airway obstruction caused by excess tissue, tongue position, or jaw structure.
In certain cases, Orthognathic Surgery for Sleep Apnea may be an effective treatment option. By repositioning the upper and lower jaws, this procedure can enlarge the airway and improve airflow during sleep.
Patients seeking Orthognathic Surgery in Houston, TX, often undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether jaw position is contributing to their airway obstruction.
Lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms and support other treatments, including:
Good sleep hygiene can support better rest and complement professional treatment.
Helpful strategies include:
If you are experiencing chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, or other symptoms of Sleep Apnea, Dr. Wuertz can help determine whether further evaluation is needed and discuss available treatment options.
Contact Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (281) 219-9834 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of Sleep Apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, reducing airflow and oxygen levels.
Yes. Many patients benefit from CPAP therapy, Oral Appliance Therapy, weight management, and other non-surgical treatments. The best option depends on the severity of the condition.
Sleep Apnea Surgery may be considered when conservative treatments are ineffective or when airway anatomy contributes significantly to obstruction.
In some patients, Orthognathic Surgery can enlarge the airway by repositioning the jaws. Your surgeon can determine whether this approach may be appropriate for your condition.
If you experience loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, gasping during sleep, or morning headaches, a sleep study may be recommended to evaluate for Sleep Apnea.
