Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is almost always planned and performed in conjunction with your Orthodontist. Extensive evaluation of the patient to identify the jaw misalignment is done early on to formulate a potential surgical-orthodontic plan. The goal of this procedure is to correct poorly aligned jaw(s) to improve the chewing and to enhance aesthetics when appropriate. The type and extent of the corrective jaw surgery required will depend on the patient’s degree of misalignment of their jaws and what is trying to be achieve. Corrective jaw surgery may range from minor movement of a single part of a dental arch up to repositioning both the upper and lower jaws and adjoining facial bones like the chin. Orthognathic surgery is always preformed in the hospital, and as of now, a portion of the fee is an OHIP benefit.
Corrective Surgery for Sleep Apnea
While continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is the first line of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, patient compliance represents a clear problem. Studies have shown that even in compliant patients, the actual usage of PAP is only approximately 50 percent of the time. Patients often complain of difficulty in being able to wear a tight mask throughout the night and dealing with the high pressure of air blown into their nose.
For the non-compliant, surgery for sleep apnea may be a feasible alternative. The goal of this surgery should open the airway from obstruction. The sites of obstruction could be anywhere in the upper respiratory tract including the nose, tongue, and throat.
We encourage that you seek consultation with one of our Spectrum Oral Surgery doctors for thorough evaluation if one is experiencing this type of situation.
