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Maxillomandibular advancement surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea patients: the current workflow from referral to recovery

British Dental Journal volume 240, pages 334–341 (2026)Cite this article

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common medical condition with significant morbidity and mortality, but frequently undiagnosed. Clinical signs and symptoms may be identified by general dental practitioners during routine dental examinations and patient history taking. This article explores the clinical characteristics, aetiology, and prevalence of OSA, and outlines when a referral should be considered, including the essential details to include in the referral. Additionally, it examines the current clinical pathway following referral, detailing the assessment and planning process for maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA). The discussion outlines the indications, benefits, and risks of MMA and compares it with alternative treatment options. The goal of this paper is to equip general dental practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to make informed referrals, assist in communicating both conservative and potential surgical treatment options to their patients, and provide a clear outline of what to expect following a referral for OSA in the UK.

Key points

  • Highlights the high prevalence, aetiology, and common signs and clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea that may be identified by general dental practitioners.

  • Provides an overview of the referral pathway from initial screening, onward referral for a sleep study to potential further management at tertiary care.

  • Offers insight into the indications, mechanism, surgical planning, and postoperative care of maxillomandibular advancement surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Institute, King´s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK

    Ka Hey Christy Chan

  2. Consultant in Orthodontics, Dental Institute, King´s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK

    Sameer Patel

  3. Principal Maxillofacial Prosthetics Technologist, Dental Institute, King´s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK

    Giovanna Grados

  4. Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Institute, King´s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK

    Francine Ryba

Authors
  1. Ka Hey Christy Chan
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  2. Sameer Patel
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  3. Giovanna Grados
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  4. Francine Ryba
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Contributions

KHCC: conceptualisation, methodology, data curation, original draft preparation, figure preparation. SP: supervision, clinical expertise in orthodontics, critical revision of the manuscript. GG: technical expertise in surgical planning, figure preparation, critical revision. FR: supervision, surgical expertise, manuscript review and editing. All authors (KHCC, SP, GG, FR) reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francine Ryba.

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The authors have no conflict of interests to disclose regarding this article. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication.

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Chan, K., Patel, S., Grados, G. et al. Maxillomandibular advancement surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea patients: the current workflow from referral to recovery. Br Dent J 240, 334–341 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-9304-0

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