Sleep Apnea Treatment in St. Augustine, FL

Advanced surgical solutions for sleep breathing disorders when conservative approaches aren’t enough

Don't settle for inadequate sleep quality or lifetime dependency on CPAP. Discover how specialized surgical intervention can create lasting improvement in your sleep breathing.

What Is Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea treatment encompasses a range of interventions designed to address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a serious condition characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to physical blockage of the airway. While conservative approaches like CPAP therapy are often the first line of treatment, surgical interventions can provide permanent structural corrections for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or haven’t achieved adequate improvement with non-surgical methods.

Surgical sleep apnea treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the specific anatomical factors contributing to your airway obstruction. These structural issues may include excessive or collapsible soft tissue in the throat, tongue base obstruction, restricted jaw positioning that limits airway space, or a combination of these factors. By precisely modifying these structures, surgical intervention can create lasting airway improvements that don’t require nightly use of devices or appliances.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has advanced training in the complex anatomy of the airway and specialized surgical techniques designed to address sleep breathing disorders. His comprehensive approach involves detailed evaluation of your specific obstruction patterns and customized surgical planning that targets the primary anatomical contributors to your sleep apnea.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Benefits of Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Surgical sleep apnea treatment offers life-changing benefits that extend far beyond improved sleep quality. The most immediate advantage is the potential for substantial or complete resolution of sleep apnea symptoms without requiring nightly use of CPAP or oral appliances. This freedom from device dependency represents a significant quality of life improvement for many patients who struggle with mask discomfort, claustrophobia, or lifestyle limitations imposed by CPAP therapy.

The physiological benefits are equally significant, with properly treated sleep apnea potentially reducing serious health risks associated with the condition. These include decreased risk of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke; improved metabolic function with better glucose control; reduced daytime fatigue and cognitive impairment; and decreased risk of motor vehicle accidents related to daytime sleepiness. The comprehensive improvement in health parameters can be truly transformative.

For many patients, the psychological benefits of successful treatment are profound. Restored sleep quality often leads to improved mood, reduced irritability, enhanced cognitive function, and better overall mental health. Many patients report significant improvements in relationships, work performance, and quality of life following successful sleep apnea treatment. The restoration of normal sleep architecture allows the brain and body to experience the restorative functions that only proper sleep can provide.

From a practical perspective, surgical intervention typically provides a permanent or long-term solution rather than requiring ongoing therapy. While CPAP and oral appliances must be used every night indefinitely to be effective, successful surgical correction creates lasting anatomical changes that maintain airway patency without continued intervention. This permanent solution can be particularly valuable for younger patients facing decades of potential therapy.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Candidate for Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Surgical intervention is typically considered for patients who have confirmed obstructive sleep apnea and: have not achieved adequate improvement with CPAP therapy; cannot tolerate CPAP despite appropriate adjustments; have anatomical factors that clearly contribute to airway obstruction; or prefer a permanent solution rather than lifetime device dependency. Ideal candidates are in good general health, non-smokers or willing to quit smoking, and have realistic expectations about potential outcomes. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will evaluate your specific situation and help determine if surgical intervention would likely provide meaningful improvement based on your particular obstruction patterns and severity.

How Effective Is Surgery for Sleep Apnea?

Surgical effectiveness varies based on several factors, including the specific procedures performed, the severity of your sleep apnea, your body mass index, and the primary sites of your airway obstruction. For appropriately selected patients receiving procedures targeted to their specific obstruction patterns, success rates can be quite high. Some procedures, particularly maxillomandibular advancement, have shown success rates of 80-90% for properly selected patients. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will discuss the expected effectiveness of various surgical options for your particular situation, providing realistic expectations based on current research and clinical experience.

What Is Recovery Like After Sleep Apnea Surgery?

Recovery experiences vary significantly depending on the specific procedures performed. Minor soft tissue procedures may involve 7-10 days of moderate discomfort and dietary restrictions, while more extensive jaw advancement surgery typically requires 2-3 weeks before returning to normal activities. Most patients experience some throat pain, swelling, and temporary difficulty swallowing following airway surgery, gradually improving over the recovery period. Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive pain management protocols, detailed recovery guidelines, and close follow-up to ensure your comfort and proper healing throughout the recovery process.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.