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Synopsis

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that affects a lot of people. It occurs when the airway is partially or fully blocked, and the breathing is interrupted. Jaw misalignment is a major cause of obstructive sleep apnea. A jaw correction surgery is highly effective for patients who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Introduction

Sleep is essential for the healing and overall well-being of an individual. A good night's sleep can help increase your productivity for the entire day. However, for people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, getting good, undisturbed sleep is challenging. When the muscles in the back of the throat relax more than required, the airway collapses, causing breathing difficulties. Consistently experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea can cause problems in daily life and disturb the productivity and quality of life of a person. One of the most effective and permanent solutions for jaw-related OSA is jaw correction surgery. Renowned healthcare facilities like Gleneagles Hospital have brought a paradigm shift in the healthcare industries with pioneer jaw correction surgery facilities. Let’s explore everything about jaw surgery in Bangalore and how you can effectively manage your OSA.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that affects the patient primarily during sleep. Continuous starting and stopping of breathing disrupts the patient's sleep, making it very difficult to get proper sleep at night. If not treated properly on time, sleep apnea could lead to major health problems like diabetes, heart stroke, high BP (blood pressure), and other health complications. Some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Loud Snoring
  • Choking while sleeping
  • Feeling drowsy during the daytime
  • Waking up with a headache
  • Problems in concentrating
  • Increased irritability
  • Frequent Urination during the night

While these symptoms help identify sleep apnea, consulting the best sleep apnea doctor in Bangalore can help you get a detailed diagnosis of your condition and take the required medication.

Jaw Structure and Airway Obstruction

The anatomy of a person's jaw plays a big role in the airway function and breathing capacity. A misaligned jaw can cause the soft tissues to obstruct the breathing airway during sleep. Certain jaw positions can block the airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea. Conditions like Retrognathia (a condition in which the lower jaw is small and subsided), Maxillary Hypoplasia (an underdeveloped upper jaw), and several other jaw conditions can cause OSA, which can only be cured permanently with the help of a jaw correction surgery. The repositioning of the jaw helps in increasing the area of the airway passage, further preventing any obstruction during sleep.

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Who needs a Jaw Correction Surgery?

Not all patients with obstructive sleep apnea need jaw correction surgery. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with a better analysis of your condition and recommend the right treatment procedure. The below-mentioned conditions require jaw correction surgery.

  • Misalignment- A misaligned jaw is the primary cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and can be corrected with a jaw repositioning surgery.
  • Failed CPAP Therapy- When all other options for treating obstructive sleep apnea, like CPAP therapy, have failed to provide relief, jaw correction surgery comes up as the only last resort that could help in curing the problem.
  • Permanent Fix- Light treatment therapies can help in managing the symptoms, but if you are looking for a permanent solution for your obstructive sleep apnea problem, then jaw correction surgery is the best option.
  • Severe Symptoms- In cases where the symptoms of sleep apnea are too severe and impact the quality of life of the person, the healthcare provider would suggest jaw correction surgery.

The Procedure of Jaw Correction Surgery

The Jaw correction surgery procedure is also known as Maxillomandibular Advancement. The steps of the jaw correction surgery for obstructive sleep apnea treatment in Bangalore include:

  • Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will start with a deep evaluation of your condition based on the symptoms you experience and the physical examination of the position and structure of your jaw.
  • Anaesthesia & Incisions: You will then be given anaesthesia to minimise the pain sensation. Once you are under the effect of anaesthesia, incisions are made in your jaw walls.
  • Bone Repositioning: Upon creating the incisions, the doctor will move the upper and lower jaw one unit forward to increase the space for the airway.
  • Fixation: After your jaw is successfully repositioned, your doctor will use screws and titanium plates to secure the repositioned jaw.
  • Closure and Recovery The incisions are then closed, and post-operative recovery care is started. Around 2 to 3 days of stay at the hospital is required.
The Procedure of Jaw Correction Surgery

Benefits of Jaw Correction Surgery

For people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea for a long time, jaw correction surgery can be extremely beneficial and can improve the overall health and well-being of the person. Some of the benefits of jaw correction surgery for obstructive sleep apnea are listed below.

  • Improved Breathing- A jaw correction surgery will help in improving the breathing quality by creating more space in the breathing airways.
  • Elimination of OSA Symptoms- Jaw correction surgery has proved helpful in eliminating OSA symptoms to a very large extent.
  • Improved Sleep Quality- A jaw correction surgery can significantly improve the patient's sleeping routine. Since the airways are unobstructed now, no sleep disruptions are leading to a healthy sleeping pattern.
  • Reduced Health Risks- Obstructive sleep apnea due to jaw issues can pose severe health threats. A jaw repositioning for OSA can significantly reduce the risk of potential health concerns.

Risks and Complications

Jaw correction surgery comes with its set of risks and complications that should be kept in mind for making informed choices and ensuring a speedy recovery. Some of the risks and complications of jaw correction surgery include:

  • Swelling and Bruising: After jaw surgery, your face, especially the chin and cheeks, will be swollen for some time. You will lose blood during the procedure; therefore, you might experience dizziness and fatigue after your surgery.
  • Numbness: For jaw surgery, strong anaesthesia is used. The effect usually stays for a couple of hours after the procedure. If you feel numbness in your lips or chin region even a day after your procedure, then consider sharing this with your surgeon.
  • Infections: If the operated area is not cleaned properly, you become prone to infections. Proper post-operative medical care should be taken once your procedure is done.
  • Difficulty chewing: Since your jaw is replaced from its original position, you might take some time to get used to it. Difficulty in chewing is normal after jaw correction surgery.
  • Nerve Damage: There are chances of having nerve damage during your jaw correction surgery. A potential sign of nerve damage is numbness.
  • Relapse: If the repositioned jaw is not fixed properly, then there are chances of having a relapse, which might require further medical intervention.

Recovery & Aftercare

The recovery period of the jaw correction surgery is approximately 6 to 8 weeks long. Patients are recommended to take a soft and liquid diet during the recovery period. Prescribed pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications should be taken. For the swelling, you can use ice packs on your face. Regular health checkups are necessary to monitor the condition and heal the alignment of the jaw.

Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Jaw Correction Surgery?

Gleneagles Hospital is a renowned hospital with the best sleep apnea doctors in Bangalore. Gleneagles Hospital is an ideal choice for anyone looking for jaw surgery in Bangalore. A few reasons to consider Gleneagles include: 

  • Expert Surgeons- Gleneagle Hospital for sleep apnea treatment in Bangalore is home to some of the finest jaw correction surgeons in the country.
  • Advanced Medical Technology- The cutting-edge surgical equipment and robust imaging machinery provide a higher precision.
  • High Success Rates- Gleneagles Hospital has successfully helped thousands of people overcome their obstructive sleep apnea with the help of jaw correction surgery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know that jaw surgery in Bangalore is the right treatment for my OSA?

If you have OSA due to jaw misalignment, your healthcare provider will perform a few tests and evaluations to identify the right approach for you.

2. After how long can I see the improvement in my OSA?

Improvement in OSA symptoms can be seen within a few weeks of your procedure only. They might vary for some people.

3. Can jaw surgery cure OSA permanently?

Yes, with proper care and lifestyle changes, jaw surgery can help eliminate your OSA symptoms.

4. What are the success rates of sleep apnea treatment in Bangalore?

If you get your jaw surgery in Bangalore done at a reputed hospital like Gleneagles Hospital, the success rate exceeds around 90%.

5. Is jaw correction surgery covered by insurance?

This depends on the type of insurance policy and the insurance provider.

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