Is Jaw Surgery the Solution for Your Sleep Apnea?

AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Queen Creek, AZ

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Fluckiger, DMD

Reading time: four minutes.

When you hear “jaw surgery,” you might think it’s only for fixing crooked teeth or bad bites.

But did you know it’s also a powerful solution for sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) isn’t just about snoring; it’s a serious condition that can disrupt your sleep, negatively affect your health, and lower your quality of life.

If non-surgical treatments haven’t worked for you, corrective jaw surgery for sleep apnea might be the solution you are looking for.

Table of Contents

• AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Queen Creek, AZ
• How Does Sleep Apnea Affect You?
• Why Jaw Surgery?
  • Benefits of Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
• What to Expect
• Is Jaw Surgery Right for You?
• AZ Max Oral Surgeons in Queen Creek, AZ: Take Control of Your Sleep Today

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect You?

One way in which sleep apnea happens is when your upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, often due to the soft tissues being too relaxed or large, or narrow/small jaw structures.

This blockage causes oxygen levels to drop, leading to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and even dangerous conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, and an increased risk of stroke.

Over time, the lack of restful sleep can significantly affect your mental and physical health, leaving you feeling exhausted and unwell.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring, choking, and gasping that disrupts you and others
• Excessive daytime sleepiness that affects work or daily activities
• Morning headaches caused by reduced oxygen flow
• Difficulty focusing or remembering things

If these symptoms sound familiar, a sleep study can confirm whether you have sleep apnea and determine its severity.

Why Jaw Surgery?

For many patients, the problem lies in the structure of their jawbones.

That’s where corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, comes in. Procedures like maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) reposition and or widen the upper and lower jaws to expand the airway, making it easier to breathe during sleep.

By addressing the root cause of airway obstruction, this surgery provides long-term relief and improves oxygen flow. Unlike CPAP machines or other non-surgical treatments, jaw surgery offers a permanent solution to structural airway issues.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea

Jaw surgery offers more than just better sleep. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Improved quality of life: Say goodbye to daytime fatigue and hello to restful sleep. You’ll feel more energized and focused throughout the day.
• Better oxygen levels: Improved airway space reduces oxygen deprivation and stabilizes blood oxygen saturation, preventing health risks linked to chronic oxygen deficiency.
• Reduced health risks: A properly functioning airway lowers blood pressure, improves heart rate stability, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Stable bite and alignment: Correcting misalignments ensures a proper bite pattern, improving not just sleep but also oral function.
• Facial aesthetics: Jaw surgery can improve both function and appearance, boosting confidence while improving your health.
• Higher success rates: Maxillomandibular advancement surgery has a proven track record of effectively treating sleep apnea, with high patient satisfaction rates.

What to Expect

Jaw surgery isn’t a quick fix, but it’s worth the investment.

The process starts with a detailed evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and sleep experts. You’ll undergo imaging, airway assessments, and possibly orthodontic treatment before the procedure. Your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.

After surgery, expect dietary adjustments, such as starting with a liquid diet before transitioning to soft foods. Dissolvable stitches will aid healing, and swelling or discomfort is managed with pain medication and ice packs.

The recovery period typically lasts several weeks, during which you’ll see gradual improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Is Jaw Surgery Right for You?

Not everyone with sleep apnea needs surgery.

Non-surgical treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices or oral appliances work for many patients. 

But if you’ve tried these options without success and have a narrow airway or structural jaw issues, jaw surgery could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

It’s especially recommended for patients with severe airway obstruction or those who experience significant disruptions in their sleep cycle.

AZ Max Oral Surgeons in Queen Creek, AZ: Take Control of Your Sleep Today

Don’t let sleep apnea control your life.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced oral surgeons at AZ Max in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Located at 18610 E. Rittenhouse Rd., Ste. 105, Queen Creek, AZ, we are here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Call us today at (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form!