Sitting on a recommendation for jaw advancement (MMA) surgery for sleep apnea, TMJD complication

[sleepy-programmer]

Hi! I have a major surgery decision to make. Any advice is appreciated.

I'm a 35yr old male with a small jaw, sleep apnea AHI of 8 on my side, 16 on my back, constant muscular TMJ pain, and poor quality sleep. My ENT says my sleep apnea is 0% a sinus issue, even though I have small nasal airway passages. I don't tolerate CPAP because it's painful on my jaw. If you want more on this there is plenty in my post history here. I didn't tolerate a dental sleep device for the same reason, jaw pain. Docs say I don't physically have enough airway space to breathe properly at night. Docs also say I need to sleep on my back to help my jaw, but I need to sleep on my side to help my sleep apnea. I am in a terrible catch-22.

I'm in pretty constant pain in my jaw. It's worse in the mornings. Clenching my teeth is painful. Somehow I have two sleep studies that show I don't grind my teeth at night, but clearly, when I wake up in the morning I have done something to xxx (profanity removed by moderator) my jaw up. The more hours I sleep the worse it is, always.
I saw a craniofacial issues team at Rush here in Chicago because of TMJ pain, and they lead me down the sleep apnea rabbit-hole. Their oral surgeon and orthodontist both recommend MMA surgery. My ENT is begging me to have MMA surgery. I don't know my sleep doctor's recommendation because I haven't been able to see her, and won't be able to now until January.

If I do MMA surgery, I had an ortho evaluation and I need 1-2 years of braces first.

The thing I'd like help with most: Should I pursue this MMA surgery? Are there options out there I don't know about? Have I done enough due diligence? Has anyone been through a similar situation?

[ChicagoGranny]

At 35 years old, I would go for it. Ask the surgeon what is the probability an MMA will cure your sleep apnea.

[babydinosnoreless]

I believe you've heard my story before so I won't bore you with it again. My only comment is if you think it will make your jaw stop hurting it won't. Mine aches all the time and when the weather is bad it is worse. I still have sleep apnea as well so there is that too. I wish you all the best no matter what your choice.

[chunkyfrog]

You are young, and medicine has been improving every year.
To get the benefit of new techniques, you need to be careful not to get an OLD fuddy duddy doc.
TMJ is notorious for being stubborn--hopefully, your team is onto something good,
and is being straight with you.

[Pugsy]

Given your age and your struggles....I am like CG...I would go for the procedure.
The only personal experience I have with it though is a friend had it done many, many years ago because of chronic severe TMJ issues.
It helped her considerably.