Diagnosis First

Sleep Apnea Surgery in Newport Beach

An oral surgeon treats the part of obstructive sleep apnea that is anatomical — the airway itself. Diagnosis belongs to a sleep physician; once it exists, surgery treats the cause when CPAP cannot be tolerated.

Request an Airway Evaluation Call (949) 204-0775

77%

mean AHI reduction after MMA

83%

therapeutic success (study)

Sleep study

diagnosis comes first

ABOMS

board certified surgeon

77%

mean AHI reduction after MMA

83%

therapeutic success (study)

Sleep study

diagnosis comes first

ABOMS

board certified surgeon

How It Works

MMA surgery vs CPAP

MMA surgery

CPAP

Fixes the anatomy

Yes

No — a nightly device

Nightly use

None

Every night

Adherence problem

Solved

Common

AHI reduction

~77% (study)

High when worn

During sleep the throat and tongue muscles relax, and in OSA the airway behind the tongue and soft palate narrows or collapses. Breathing pauses, oxygen falls, and the brain briefly wakes you — sometimes hundreds of times a night.

The collapse is usually anatomical: a jaw set too far back, a crowded airway, a large tongue base or nasal obstruction. That is why treatment aimed at the anatomy can work when treatment aimed at symptoms does not.

Surgical Options for Sleep Apnea

Maxillomandibular advancement

Both jaws moved forward, enlarging the airway across its whole length — the strongest outcome data in severe OSA.

Genioglossus advancement

The tongue-muscle attachment is moved forward so the tongue base is less able to fall back.

Hyoid suspension

The hyoid bone is repositioned to stabilize the airway below the tongue base.

Genioplasty

Repositioning the chin segment — can accompany GGA and also addresses facial balance.

Soft tissue & nasal procedures

UPPP, turbinate reduction and septal surgery — usually ENT procedures, with coordinated care.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation

An implanted device that stimulates the tongue nerve with each breath — placed by an ENT.

The Treatment Ladder

A sleep physician confirms OSA with a sleep study and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Behavioral measures and CPAP come first — CPAP works well when it is tolerated.

An oral appliance suits mild-to-moderate OSA, or patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

3D airway analysis identifies exactly where the airway collapses.

Surgery, such as MMA, is for an anatomical cause when PAP therapy fails.

The Treatment Ladder

01A sleep physician confirms OSA with a sleep study and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

02Behavioral measures and CPAP come first — CPAP works well when it is tolerated.

03An oral appliance suits mild-to-moderate OSA, or patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

043D airway analysis identifies exactly where the airway collapses.

05Surgery, such as MMA, is for an anatomical cause when PAP therapy fails.

Symptoms and Health Risks

Loud, habitual snoring

Witnessed pauses in breathing, or gasping and choking awakenings

Daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep while driving

Morning headache and dry mouth

Trouble concentrating, irritability or low mood

What Do They Cost?

Sleep apnea treatment is billed to medical insurance, not dental. Surgery and oral appliances are usually covered when criteria are met — documented moderate-to-severe OSA, a genuine trial of PAP therapy, and the anatomical basis for surgery — with pre-authorization the norm.

Oral appliances are billed under HCPCS code E0486. Out-of-pocket exposure depends on your deductible and network status far more than the procedure itself. We provide a written estimate once your sleep study and insurance details are reviewed.

Recovery After MMA

MMA takes roughly 3 to 5 hours; most patients take 2 to 4 weeks off work, on a soft diet with guiding elastics for about six weeks — jaws are not wired shut. Swelling settles by about two months, and numbness resolves over 6 to 12 months.

First 7–10 days, pain meds2–4 wk back to work~2 mo swelling resolves

After MMA

Keep your head elevated for at least 7 days

Soft or blended diet for 4 to 6 weeks

Guiding elastics worn about 6 weeks — jaws are not wired shut

No strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks

Pain medication is usually needed for 7 to 10 days

Call the Office If

You develop a fever

Swelling worsens after the first week

You have bleeding

Your bite suddenly feels wrong

Call 911 for any difficulty breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate, and do I have to fail CPAP first?

Candidacy starts with a confirmed diagnosis and an identified anatomical cause. Most insurers require documented moderate to severe OSA plus a genuine trial of PAP therapy, often over roughly six months, before authorizing surgery.

Does MMA work, and what are the success and cure rates?

Published long-term data reports mean AHI falling from 49.0 to 10.9, with cure in 46.7% and therapeutic success in 83.4% at a mean 6.6-year follow-up. Other series report around 86% success and 43% cure. Individual results vary with anatomy, age and weight.

Will MMA change how my face looks, and will my jaw be wired shut?

Moving both jaws forward does change appearance, usually subtly and often favorably; virtual planning shows the projected change beforehand. Your jaws are not wired shut — fixation uses titanium plates, with guiding elastics for about six weeks.

Is an oral appliance as good as CPAP?

CPAP lowers AHI more in severe disease. An oral appliance often produces the better real-world result in mild to moderate OSA, because patients actually wear it. Confirm effectiveness with a follow-up sleep study.

How long until I am back at work?

Commonly 2 to 4 weeks off after MMA, longer for physically demanding jobs. Swelling settles substantially by two months and numbness resolves over 6 to 12 months.

What if surgery does not cure it?

Residual OSA is managed with a lower CPAP pressure, an oral appliance or a second-stage procedure, and a follow-up sleep study tells you where you stand.

Become Our Next Success Story

2121 E Coast Hwy, Ste 160, Corona del Mar · Mon–Thu 8–5, Fri 8–2

Request an Airway Evaluation Call (949) 204-0775