The bite is usually maintained following maxillomandibular advancement. Approximately 5% of patients may have some alteration of their bite, and some form of dental treatment such as orthodontic therapy or equilibration procedure may be required.
Sleep Apnea FAQ
CONSULTATION
How do I begin the consultation process?
A consultation can be scheduled by contacting our office at (650) 322-8588. The initial consultation with Dr. Li includes a review of the patient’s sleep study results, as well as a physical examination with possible airway xrays (lateral cephalometric radiograph) and fiberoptic imaging of the airway. Surgical treatment options will be presented at the conclusion of the visit.
What if I live outside the Bay Area?
Dr. Li routinely treats patients from out of state or outside the U.S. The process usually begins via e-mail or phone before the initial consultation. Although it is possible to set up the consultation and operation during the same trip, it is preferable to have the patient take time to consider the recommendations by Dr. Li and have all questions answered before scheduling the operation for a later date.
How long do I need to stay in the Bay Area?
Typically, patients are discharged from the hospital within 1 to 3 days following sleep apnea surgery. Most patients stay in a local hotel for an additional 3 to 7 days before returning home. Although a follow-up appointment approximately 1 month afterward is recommended, it is not mandatory.
INSURANCE
Are the surgical procedures covered by medical insurance plans?
The procedures described in this website are routinely covered by major medical insurance plans (PPO plans). All procedures are submitted to insurance companies for approval prior to surgery
Does Dr. Li accept all medical insurance plans?
Dr. Li accepts all PPO medical insurance plans. However, Dr. Li does not belong to any insurance networks and the use of out-of-network benefits will be required.
SEPTOPLASTY
Is septoplasty a painful operation?
The pain associated with septoplasty is usually mild to moderate. The majority of patients do not need pain medication beyond the first or second day after surgery.
Is nasal packing needed after surgery?
The use of nasal packing is very uncomfortable and unnecessary. Dr. Li does not use nasal packing following septoplasty.
How long is the nose congested after septoplasty?
Nasal congestion can last 5 to 7 days after septoplasty.
How long do I need to take off work?
Most patients can return to work in 2 to 3 days after surgery.
TURBINATE REDUCTION
Is turbinate reduction a painful operation?
The pain associated with turbinate reduction is minimal. Pain medication is rarely necessary.
Is nasal packing used after the procedure?
Nasal packing is not needed after the procedure.
How long is the nose congested after turbinate reduction?
Nasal congestion can last 3 to 5 days after the procedure.
MAXILLOMANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT
Click here to listen to Dr. Kasey Li explain this procedure.
Would the jaws be wired shut after the procedure?
The jaws are not wired shut. However, several rubber bands are used to keep the upper and lower teeth together, which limits the mouth opening. The mouth opening gradually increases over the ensuing few weeks as the number of rubber bands is reduced.
Does the procedure affect speech?
The maxillomandibular advancement procedure does affect speech in the beginning, since the jaw mobility is reduced due to the presence of swelling and the use of rubber bands. However, speech is not affected long-term.
Does the procedure affect swallowing?
The maxillomandibular advancement procedure does affect swallowing in the beginning since the jaw mobility is reduced due to the presence of swelling and the use of rubber bands. Patients are restricted to a liquid diet for 3 to 4 weeks. A soft diet, such as scrambled eggs, fish and pasta, can begin after 4 weeks. The return to a normal and unrestricted diet may take up to 6 months.
Would the procedure result in changes in facial appearance?
The maxillomandibular advancement procedure does result in changes in facial appearance. Usually, the upper and lower jaws become more prominent since they are moved forward. Although facial appearance is changed, the majority of patients do not feel that it is a compromise in aesthetics; it is simply a little different.
Would the procedure change the bite?