Sleep Apnea Surgery in St. Augustine, FL

Q: 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.

Surgical solutions for obstructive sleep apnea when conservative approaches aren’t enough to restore healthy breathing patterns.

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

What Is Sleep Apnea Surgery?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, reducing oxygen levels in the blood. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type, occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway, leading to disrupted sleep and potential health complications.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing sleep apnea for years, our approach focuses on restoring normal breathing patterns, improving blood oxygen levels, and reducing the risks associated with this chronic sleep disorder. We provide care for individuals who want to move beyond managing symptoms and toward a surgical solution that addresses the root of their airway obstruction.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Morning headaches upon waking
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability and mood changes
Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
Frequent nighttime urination
Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
Restless sleep and insomnia

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Excess weight and obesity
Narrowed airway due to anatomy
Chronic nasal congestion or sinus issues
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Thick neck circumference (>17″ men, >16″ women)
Family history of sleep apnea
Smoking and alcohol use

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Johnson provides 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 residency at the University of Florida and a fellowship in facial cosmetics and reconstruction. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex airway procedures with precision and care.

At our AAAHC-accredited state-of-the-art facility in St. Augustine, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment. Call (904) 460-0505 to learn more about surgical sleep apnea solutions.

CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea in St. Augustine

Many patients seek alternatives to CPAP machines due to discomfort, noise, or compliance difficulties. Several effective treatment options exist for obstructive sleep apnea.

Effective CPAP Alternatives

Custom oral appliance therapy: Mandibular advancement devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open
Inspire therapy: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation device implanted to control tongue position
Positional therapy devices: Encourage side-sleeping to reduce airway obstruction
Weight loss and lifestyle modifications: Reducing excess weight can significantly improve sleep apnea
Surgical options: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), jaw advancement surgery, or tongue reduction
Combination therapies: Multiple approaches used together for optimal results

Why Some Patients Struggle With CPAP Therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most frequently prescribed treatments for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a steady stream of air to keep the airway open, but not every patient finds it easy to use. Mask discomfort, dryness, claustrophobia, and travel inconvenience are just a few reasons many patients in St. Augustine fail to tolerate CPAP or stop using it altogether.

For patients who can’t adjust to CPAP or want to explore more definitive alternatives, surgical solutions offer a different path forward. A personalized surgical plan can reduce or eliminate your need for nightly devices, helping you regain uninterrupted, restorative sleep.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

Recovery time following sleep apnea surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and individual healing factors. Most patients can return to work and daily activities within a week or two. Post-operative care includes managing swelling, discomfort, and any temporary dietary modifications. Patients are closely monitored to ensure a safe recovery and to evaluate sleep quality improvements in follow-up assessments.

Once healing is complete, many patients report an immediate reduction in their symptoms and a dramatic improvement in staying asleep through the night. With fewer interruptions, better rest, and freedom from nightly equipment, life after sleep apnea surgery can be significantly more enjoyable and sustainable.

Affordable Sleep Apnea Treatment in St. Augustine, FL

The impact of successful sleep apnea treatment extends far beyond the bedroom. Patients often report increased energy, improved mood, and sharper cognitive function after surgery. In many cases, patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding areas experience reduced daytime sleepiness, fewer motor vehicle accidents linked to fatigue, and improved relationships due to better sleep habits and reduced snoring.

Addressing obstructive sleep apnea can also have significant health benefits. Lowering your blood pressure, improving blood oxygen circulation, and reducing the risk of stroke or cardiovascular problems can all result from restoring proper airflow at night. Effective treatment improves not just sleep quality, but long-term health and longevity.

We understand that cost is often a factor when choosing sleep apnea treatment. Our office offers transparent pricing, in-network support with Delta Dental, Humana, and Cigna Dental, and payment plans through medical or dental financing options. Contact our St. Augustine office today at (904) 460-0505 and schedule a consultation.

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 Delta Dental, Humana, and Cigna Dental, 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 Sleep Apnea Surgery?

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 for sleep apnea 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 (jaw surgery), 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.

Sleep Apnea Surgery Pricing

What Is The Cost of Sleep Apnea Surgery at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center?

The cost of sleep apnea surgery at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center depends on the approach needed, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to more complex surgical interventions for severe obstructive sleep apnea. While specific pricing information is not provided, treatment plans are developed based on the cause of your airway obstruction and previous treatment attempts. Many medical insurance plans provide coverage for sleep apnea surgery when medically necessary and conservative treatments have failed.

Key Factors Affecting Sleep Apnea Surgery Costs:

Treatment Approach: Soft tissue procedures versus skeletal advancement surgeries.
Procedure Complexity: Single-site versus multi-level airway intervention.
Hospital Requirements: Whether outpatient or inpatient care is needed.

At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Johnson addresses the anatomical causes of sleep apnea. We work closely with sleep medicine physicians to ensure comprehensive care and will help you understand all aspects of your treatment plan, including costs and potential insurance coverage. Call (904) 460-0505 to discuss your options.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is conveniently located at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Vilano Beach, and surrounding communities in St. Johns County seeking sleep apnea surgery solutions.