Reviewed by Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD

Reading time: six minutes.

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring. If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you know how it affects your overall quality of life, making you feel exhausted during the day and even increasing your risk of heart issues.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the go-to treatment, but it’s not always the most comfortable or effective long-term solution for everyone. If you’re tired of CPAP, jaw surgery might be the sleep apnea solution you’ve been searching for.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what jaw surgery for sleep apnea is, how it works, and who can benefit from it.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Jaw surgery offers a permanent solution if you are struggling with severe obstructive sleep apnea, especially if CPAP and other treatments haven’t worked for you. By repositioning the jaw to prevent airway blockage, this procedure can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health, though it requires a commitment to recovery and aftercare.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or close, leading to pauses in your breathing—these are called apneic events.

The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and collapse, leading to a blocked airway.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

You might have sleep apnea if you experience the following sleep apnea symptoms:

  • Loud snoring: The sound is often due to airway obstruction.
  • Daytime sleepiness: Frequent apneic events disrupt your sleep, leaving you tired during the day.
  • Gasping for air during sleep: This is your body’s way of restarting your breathing.
  • Dry mouth: Sleeping with an open mouth due to breathing difficulty can cause dry mouth, which leads to other problems with your oral health.

The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Health

Sleep apnea does more than interrupt your sleep; it can also impact your health in several significant ways:

  • Increased blood pressure: The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels can strain your cardiovascular system.
  • Risk of heart attack: OSA is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Daytime fatigue: Constant tiredness can reduce your productivity and mood, making daily activities more challenging.

Traditional Treatments for Sleep Apnea

A CPAP device delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. Though CPAP is an effective treatment, many find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. Other non-surgical treatments include:

  • Oral appliances: These devices help keep your jaw in a forward position to keep your airway open.
  • Sleep apnea mouth guard: A type of oral appliance that can help keep your airway open by adjusting the position of your jaw.
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side can reduce symptoms.

When Jaw Surgery Is a Solution

If CPAP and other non-surgical treatments haven’t worked for you, or if you have severe sleep apnea, jaw surgery might be the answer. 

This surgery, known as Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), is an effective procedure that repositions your jaw bones to enlarge the airway. It allows better breathing during sleep.

How MMA Surgery Works

MMA surgery involves moving both your upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws forward to open the airway. By repositioning the jaw bones, the surgery prevents the soft tissues in the upper airway from collapsing during sleep.

  • Jaw advancement surgery: This procedure shifts your jaw structure forward to enlarge the airway.
  • Mandibular osteotomy: In some cases, the lower jaw is repositioned to correct a retruded position.

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF PATIENT (Alt text: before and after jaw surgery)

Benefits of Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea

  • Permanent relief: Jaw surgery offers a permanent solution for sleep apnea.
  • Improved quality of life: With better breathing during sleep, you’ll experience less daytime sleepiness and more energy.
  • Reduction in apnea episodes: MMA significantly decreases the number of apnea events per hour.

Are You a Candidate for Jaw Surgery? Take This Quiz

Wondering if jaw surgery might be right for you? Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Have you been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea?
    • Yes | No
  2. Have you tried CPAP therapy, but found it uncomfortable or ineffective?
    • Yes | No
  3. Do you experience significant daytime sleepiness despite using other treatments?
    • Yes | No
  4. Do you have a retruded jaw position or a deep bite that contributes to airway obstruction?
    • Yes | No
  5. Are you in good overall health, making you a suitable candidate for major surgery?
    • Yes | No
  6. Are you willing to undergo a recovery period of several weeks, including a soft diet and possible orthodontic treatment?
    • Yes | No

If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, jaw surgery could be your best option for your sleep apnea. It’s best to consult with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your specific condition and determine the best course of action.

Recovery and Aftercare

Undergoing jaw surgery is a big decision, and understanding the recovery process can help you prepare mentally and physically. Here’s what you can expect after surgery:

Immediate Post-Surgery

  • Hospital stay: You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a couple of days following the surgery to monitor your recovery.
  • Breathing tube: You may need a breathing tube immediately after surgery, but this is temporary.
  • Pain management: Expect some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.

The First Few Weeks

  • Soft diet: For the first 4–6 weeks, you’ll need to stick to a soft diet. Smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes will be your go-to meals.
  • Surgeon instructions: You will need to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including oral hygiene and wound care.
  • Rubber bands: You might need to wear rubber bands to keep your jaws in position as they heal.
  • Swelling and bruising: These are normal side effects that should subside within a couple of weeks.
  • Nasal passages: Breathing through your nose might be challenging initially, so saline sprays can help keep your nasal passages clear.

Long-Term Healing

  • Stable bite: As your jaw bones heal, your bite will stabilize. You’ll need to follow up with your orthodontist if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
  • Postoperative polysomnography: A sleep study may be scheduled weeks after surgery to assess the effectiveness of the procedure.
  • Full recovery: Most patients experience significant improvements in their breathing pattern and overall sleep quality within 3–6 months.

Considerations Before Opting for Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is a major procedure and requires careful consideration. Here’s what you need to know before deciding:

  • Potential risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks such as infection, blood loss, or an unfavorable reaction to anesthesia.
  • Orthodontic treatment: Braces are required before and after the surgery, and a consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to ensure the most predictable outcome and bite.  

Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea in Boulder, CO

If you’re tired of CPAP and looking for a more permanent solution to your sleep apnea, jaw surgery might be the effective treatment you need. Remember, recovery takes time, but the results can be life-changing.

At Foley & Le Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery, our experienced surgeons offer a wide range of dental procedures, including jaw surgery.

If you are searching for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or the ‘best oral surgeon near me’ we can help! Call (303) 444-2255 to schedule a consultation today.

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