Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery: An Effective Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when a patient wakes up in the middle of the night gasping for air. This disease occurs due to obstruction in the respiratory system that affects how the patient breathes while sleeping. The patient’s brain recognizes the inadequacy of oxygen and wakes the patient to prevent severe complications like brain damage or death. There are many causes of sleep apnea. Collaborating with a qualified physician will help you gain an accurate diagnosis of Carthay sleep apnea and support the development of an appropriate treatment plan to restore effective breathing at night.

What is maxillomandibular advancement surgery?

Maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA) is a potential obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. This treatment involves repositioning the bones of the upper and lower jaw. This strategy is key to promoting efficient airflow because wrongly placed bones in the upper jaw may be the reason for airway obstruction. The procedure also involves increasing pharyngeal soft tissue tension while anteriorly suspending the attached pharyngeal airway muscles.

There are various surgical procedures apart from maxillomandibular advancement surgery that addresses obstructive sleep apnea, including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. MMA comprehensively targets all airway levels. Collaborating with a competent surgical provider will increase your chances of successful treatment t outcome because the treatment addresses all issues in the nasal cavity and hypopharynx.

What are the common misconceptions about MMA?

One of the most popular misconceptions about MMA is that the procedure is only effective for patients with craniofacial dysmorphism (mandibular retrognathia). However, patients with OSA due to chronic conditions like obesity that cause excess soft tissue can benefit from MMA. Another misconception around MMA is that it is a last resort following a failed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). However, clinicians recommend this treatment to patients with moderate to severe OSA.

What should you expect during MMA?

Your physician will conduct this craniofacial operation using 3-D imaging: This presurgical virtual scanning will ensure accuracy and surgical efficacy. Your doctor will recommend an overnight stay in an ICU setting after completing your operation. Inpatient hospital stay is necessary after MMA to enable close monitoring and confirm treatment success.

What are the benefits of MMA?

This treatment can effectively treat your OSA, allowing you restful sleep. MMA is the only soft palatal procedure where patients experience less pain. Your doctor will manipulate facial sensory nerves during the procedure. This strategy causes paresthesia, thus eliminating pain. You will only need non-opioid analgesics to manage your postoperative swelling and discomfort. Thanks to advancements in medicine, the internal bone fixation devices used in MMA do not need jaw wiring, making it easy for you to eat a soft mechanical diet immediately after treatment.

What should you expect after maxillomandibular advancement surgery?

You may experience changes in facial appearance depending on your degree of obesity. It should take about a month to recover completely, after which you may resume normal work or school activities. Contact Smile Perfector Dental Group to schedule a maxillomandibular advancement surgery for your OSA and restore restful sleep that will optimize your physical and mental health.