Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Experts in Kogarah
OSA and Snoring: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
At Elevate Oral and Jaw Surgery, we recognize the serious impact obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can have on your health and daily life. OSA causes repeated airway blockages during sleep, leading to disrupted rest and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
What is OSA?
bstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing, snoring, and disturbed sleep. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and place strain on the body, often without the person realising it. Common symptoms include daytime tiredness, morning headaches, poor concentration, and unrefreshing sleep.
OSA is also linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including cardiovascular conditions like stroke, heart attack, and even mortality. The repeated drops in oxygen levels can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of hypertension, arrhythmias, and long-term heart complications.
Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Studies (Polysomnography)
Patient Questionnaires
ClinicalExamination
NasalEndoscopy
This procedure involves the use of a flexible scope to examine the nasal and pharyngeal areas, helping to identify any structural abnormalities or blockages that may contribute to airway obstruction.
Why is OSA Important?
Short Term Effects
Symptom Management
- Daytime tiredness, poor concentration, and reduced alertness
- Irritability, low mood, or emotional instability
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Loud snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing
- Increased risk of motor vehicle or workplace accidents
Cardiovascular Health
- Temporary surges in blood pressure during sleep
- Early signs of strain on the heart and circulatory system
Other Comorbidities
- Poor sleep quality affecting metabolism and immune function
Medium-Term Effects
Symptom Management
- Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep hours
- Reduced cognitive performance and slower reaction times
- Worsening mood, anxiety, or depression
Cardiovascular Health
- Development of high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation
- Increased risk of stroke or heart attack
Other Comorbidities
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
- Weight gain and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
Long-Term Effects
- Cognitive decline and dementia risk
- Depression and anxiety that become difficult to manage
- Reduced quality of life and life expectancy
The Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing OSA early can dramatically improve sleep quality, daytime performance, and long-term cardiovascular and cognitive health.
With modern diagnostic tools and a team-based approach, most patients can achieve significant and lasting improvements in both health and quality of life.
OSA is Complex and Multifactorial
Sleep apnoea is not a “one-size-fits-all” condition. It often arises from a combination of factors such as airway anatomy, weight, muscle tone, and sleep patterns. Because of this, treatment must be individualised based on the phenotype of each patient—taking into account the cause of obstruction, severity of disease, and importantly, patient preference.
There are multiple evidence-based treatment options available, and our role is to help guide you to the one that best fits your needs.
The Maxillofacial Surgeon’s Role
At Elevate Oral & Jaw Surgery, we work collaboratively with a team of specialists including Sleep Physicians, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeons, and your General Practitioner. Together, we aim to understand the cause of your OSA and plan the most effective and sustainable treatment.
Our practice also collaborates with sleep psychologists for the management of associated insomnia, and with GPs who play a key role in addressing contributing factors such as weight management, smoking cessation, and general health optimisation.
Surgical Management: Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
For patients who have moderate to severe OSA, or who have not been able to tolerate treatments such as CPAP or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), surgical correction may be appropriate.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery moves the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway and prevent collapse during sleep. It is one of the most effective surgical treatments for OSA, with excellent long-term results in both sleep quality and overall health outcomes.
In addition to improving breathing, MMA often enhances facial balance and dental function, making it one of the few treatments that can improve both health and facial aesthetics.
If you’re experiencing difficulty with CPAP or MAD therapy—particularly if you’ve noticed facial changes or discomfort—we can assess your airway and discuss alternative options.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) at EOJS
Procedure Overview
MMA involves surgically repositioning both the upper and lower jaws to widen the airway, providing long-term relief from obstructive sleep apnea. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have a combination of anatomical factors contributing to OSA, such as jaw misalignment or insufficient airway space. In addition to the jaw repositioning, correction of the nasal septum and chin repositioning can be included in the procedure to further enhance airflow and balance the facial structure. The nasal septum correction can help improve nasal breathing, while chin repositioning can optimize jaw alignment and enhance facial aesthetics.
What to Expect
Preoperative Assessment: Before surgery, Dr. Parthasarathi will conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies and consultations with other specialists. This comprehensive assessment ensures that the procedure is right for you and that all contributing factors are addressed.
Surgical Process: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Advanced planning using Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) ensures precise, personalised jaw repositioning. Custom titanium plates are used to secure the jaw in its new position while it heals.
Recovery: After surgery, patients typically experience swelling and discomfort, which gradually subsides. Full recovery and stabilisation of the jaw can take several months, during which time Dr. Parthasarathi and our team will provide detailed care instructions and monitor your progress through follow-up appointments.
Who To Refer For Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Referral for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery may be appropriate in selected patients where obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remains inadequately managed through conventional treatment approaches. Careful assessment is essential to determine suitability and ensure the most appropriate treatment pathway is considered.
Referral is appropriate when one or more of the following are present:
Clinical History
- Intolerance or failure of CPAP therapy
- Intolerance, failure, or relapse with mandibular advancement devices (MAD)
- Development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms or dental instability associated with MAD use
- Persistent OSA symptoms or snoring following previous soft tissue airway surgery
Sleep Study Severity
- Severe OSA (AHI or ODI >30 events per hour)
- Significant REM-related or non-positional obstructive sleep apnoea
- Minimum requirement: Level 2 sleep study confirmation
Referral for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery may be appropriate in selected patients where obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remains inadequately managed through conventional treatment approaches. Careful assessment is essential to determine suitability and ensure the most appropriate treatment pathway is considered.
Referral is appropriate when one or more of the following are present:
Your First Consultation
When we first see you, we’ll review your medical history, symptoms, and relevant investigations.
For a complete assessment, we require a CT scan to evaluate your airway and facial structure, as well as a comprehensive sleep study (preferably Level 1).
If these have not been completed, our team can arrange them for you.
Sleep Apnoea Information Hub
Understanding obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the available treatment options is an important part of managing your health. To help you learn more about OSA and healthy sleep habits, we have curated a selection of patient information resources developed by the Sleep Health Foundation, one of Australia’s leading organisations dedicated to sleep health education and awareness.
Browse the resources below to learn more about OSA, treatment options, and ways to improve your sleep quality.
Things You Should
Know About OSA
A helpful introduction to obstructive sleep apnoea, including common symptoms, risk factors, and why early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Learn about the different approaches available for managing OSA, including lifestyle changes, oral appliances, CPAP therapy, and surgery.
Oral Appliances to Treat Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Explore the surgical treatment options available for selected patients with OSA and when surgery may be recommended.
Sleep Hygiene:
Good Sleep Habits
Ten Tips for a
Good Night's Sleep
Practical tips from the Sleep Health Foundation to help establish healthy sleep habits and improve sleep quality.
Outcomes of MMA in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Practical tips from the Sleep Health Foundation to help establish healthy sleep habits and improve sleep quality.
The information provided in these downloadable resources has been developed by the Sleep Health Foundation and is intended for general educational purposes. These resources are designed to support, not replace, advice from your healthcare professionals.
Why Choose Dr Krishnan Parthasarathi
Dr Krishnan Parthasarathi is a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with advanced fellowship training in orthognathic and sleep surgery. He works closely with the leading multidisciplinary sleep apnoea teams in New South Wales, including the Illawarra, St Vincent’s, and Woolcock Institute groups.
This means you receive care that is collaborative, evidence-based, and integrated—combining the expertise of sleep physicians, ENT surgeons, and surgeons like Dr Parthasarathi who specialise in airway reconstruction and jaw surgery.
At Elevate Oral & Jaw Surgery, our goal is to ensure you receive the right treatment for your form of OSA, supported by a team that prioritises both your health and your comfort.
Why Choose EOJS for Sleep Apnea Surgery?
Specialised Training
Comprehensive,Personalised Care
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Contact Elevate Oral & Jaw Surgery
If you’re struggling with jaw discomfort or concerns about your bite or appearance, corrective jaw surgery might be the solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parthasarathi and take the first step toward a more functional and confident smile.
Contact us to book your appointment.