Sleep surgery

Advancement of the upper and lower jaw is a well-established treatment option for widening the airways that has been known and performed worldwide for several decades. In technical jargon, this is referred to as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). In this procedure, the upper and lower jaws (maxilla and mandible) are moved in such a way that the upper airways are significantly enlarged. In purely mechanical terms, the obstruction that leads to sleep apnoea is resolved.

The procedure is usually recommended for people with moderate to severe OSA for whom other forms of treatment such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or lifestyle changes have not been successful. MMA can be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as genioglossus advancement.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours. The recovery time after the procedure can vary from person to person. PD Dr. Dr. A.F. Safi has extensive expertise in performing this type of surgical jaw advancement and will discuss with you in detail the pros and cons of MMA to determine if you are a suitable patient for this procedure.

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Bimaxillary osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the upper and lower jaws are repositioned to correct problems with the bite or jaw alignment. The principles of the procedure include:

Accurate diagnosis and pre-operative planning: This includes assessing the patient's dental and skeletal problems and creating a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.

Preservation of the condyles: The condyles, i.e. the joints that connect the jaw to the skull, are crucial for the function of the jaw. The procedure aims to preserve the condyles and maintain the patient's ability to open and close their jaw.

Maintaining the occlusion: The procedure aims to correct the bite and maintain the patient's ability to chew and speak properly.

Soft tissue preservation: The procedure aims to preserve the integrity of the soft tissue, including the gums, lips and tongue, to minimize postoperative complications.

Minimizing surgical trauma: The procedure is performed using precise surgical techniques to minimize trauma to the jaw and surrounding tissues.

Sufficient widening of the upper airways: This is necessary to eliminate the cause of obstructive sleep apnea, namely airways that are too narrow. PD Dr. Dr. Safi will be happy to explain the exact procedure of this surgical technique to you in detail.

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