Jaw surgery for sleep apnea; The Mayo Clinic recommends sleep apnea jaw surgery, and more than half of patients who undergo surgery see a complete reversal or complete elimination of their sleep apnea. Jaw surgery is considered the safest airway surgery available for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.
Maxillomandibular advancement surgery
Jaw surgery for sleep apnea;Maxillomandibular advancement is a surgical procedure that involves moving the jaws forward. This procedure aims to improve breathing during sleep and enhance mouth breathing while swallowing.
However, this type of surgery is not without risks. The risks include pain and swelling, postoperative jaw stiffness, and malocclusion.
The procedure is considered safe for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. It can even be performed on older and heavier patients.
Turbinate reduction surgery
Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea, Turbinate reduction surgery is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the turbinate, which is responsible for the obstruction of airflow. The procedure is often performed with a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum. This procedure may not be suitable for every patient.
The lower jaw is moved forward during the procedure. This opens up the airway and stabilizes the jaw and mouth. The procedure is effective in reducing sleep apnea symptoms by 50%.
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Rapid palatal expander surgery
Rapid palatal expander surgery is a surgical procedure that corrects the narrow palate and improves airflow. The procedure uses small titanium plates and screws to move the upper and lower jaw forward. The procedure allows patients to resume normal activities after a week or two. This type of jaw surgery does not require CPAP therapy, and its success rate is high.
Patients undergoing SARPE surgery (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) will be sedated. A specially designed orthopedic expanding appliance is cemented onto the first molars. The surgeon will then use a special key to turn a screw within the expander, which allows the jaws to open and separate.
The expander will function as a retainer after the jaw has healed. Rapid palatal expander surgery is an outpatient procedure that a surgeon with a general anesthetic can perform. The procedure involves multiple bone cuts. No fixating devices are used during the procedure.
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Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea – Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy for sleep aphasia is a surgical treatment for sleep apnea caused by an obstruction in the airway. There are several different types of tracheostomy, which can be permanent or temporary.
However, one of the disadvantages of a tracheostomy is the large stomal site, which may discourage patients from having the procedure.
There are also a number of risks of a tracheostomy. These risks can include infection, bad reactions to anesthesia, and pain. A tracheostomy can also cause scar tissue in the area, which may cause trouble with speech or swallowing.
Additionally, there is a risk of an increased risk of lung infections after a tracheostomy.
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