Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than a sleep problem. Left untreated, it raises the risk of serious cardiovascular complications — and for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP or haven’t gotten results from other treatments, surgery may be the most effective long-term solution.
Dr. Grant McGann is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in San Diego who evaluates and treats OSA through surgical repositioning of the jaw — a procedure that physically enlarges the airway and addresses the structural cause of the obstruction. Schedule a consultation to find out whether you’re a candidate.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
With obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep and blocks the airway. When airflow stops, oxygen levels in the blood drop. The brain responds by partially waking the sleeper to restore breathing — often with a loud gasp. This cycle can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
The consequences extend well beyond poor sleep:
Cardiovascular risk — Repeated drops in blood oxygen put sustained stress on the heart and vascular system, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke
Excessive daytime sleepiness — Fragmented sleep leaves patients exhausted during the day regardless of how many hours they spend in bed
Depression and mood changes — Chronic sleep disruption significantly affects mental health and emotional regulation
Loss of concentration — Cognitive performance, memory, and focus are all affected by untreated OSA
When Surgery Makes Sense
Most patients with OSA are initially treated with a CPAP machine, which delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. CPAP is effective — but compliance is a significant challenge. Many patients find it uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or disruptive to their partner’s sleep, and stop using it.
For patients who have not responded to CPAP or are not able to tolerate it, surgical repositioning of the jaw is a proven alternative that addresses the structural cause of the obstruction rather than managing symptoms night by night.
Jaw repositioning surgery for sleep apnea doesn’t just manage the condition — it changes the anatomy. By moving the upper and lower jaws forward, the procedure permanently increases the space behind the tongue and soft palate, reducing or eliminating the obstruction that causes apnea events.
How the Surgery Works
The procedure Dr. McGann performs for OSA is an orthognathic surgery — the same jaw repositioning surgery used to correct bite problems and facial structure. In the context of sleep apnea, the goal is to advance both the upper and lower jaws forward (maxillomandibular advancement, or MMA) to increase the size of the airway.
Before surgery, a sleep study is typically recommended to confirm the diagnosis, measure the severity of OSA, and document cardiovascular impact. This also establishes the medical necessity needed for insurance coverage.
The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia and requires a one to two night hospital stay.
Recovery follows a similar path to corrective jaw surgery — soft diet, activity restrictions for six weeks, and gradual return to normal function. Full results in terms of airway improvement may take several months to assess as swelling resolves.
See the full jaw surgery pre- and post-op care guide for a complete breakdown of what to expect before and after surgery.
The artwork in the office was created by Dr McGann’s family including grandmother Nancy McGann.
About Dr. Grant McGann
Dr. McGann is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He completed his OMS residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. and has been treating San Diego patients since 2008. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists specifically trained to perform the jaw repositioning procedures used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Does Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Surgery?
Yes — in most cases. Because OSA is a medical condition with serious health consequences, treatment is typically covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Most major medical plans cover surgical treatment for sleep apnea when medical necessity is documented through a sleep study.
McGann Oral Surgery accepts Aetna and Cigna under medical insurance for sleep apnea and related procedures. CPMG referral authorization is also accepted. Out-of-network patients are seen at reduced rates, and the office assists with claim submission for PPO plans with out-of-network benefits. See the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, waking with headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. A formal diagnosis requires a sleep study — either conducted in a sleep lab or at home with a take-home monitor. Dr. McGann can discuss whether a sleep study referral makes sense at your consultation.
Is surgery the first step in treating sleep apnea?
No. Surgery is typically considered after other treatments — primarily CPAP — have been tried and haven’t produced adequate results. At your consultation, Dr. McGann will review your treatment history and help you understand whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.
What is the success rate of jaw repositioning surgery for sleep apnea?
Maxillomandibular advancement is one of the most effective surgical treatments for OSA, with high rates of significant apnea reduction in appropriately selected patients. A sleep study after recovery confirms the degree of improvement.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery from jaw repositioning surgery for sleep apnea is similar to corrective jaw surgery — a soft diet and activity restrictions for six weeks, with gradual return to normal function. A hospital stay of one to two nights is required. Full assessment of airway improvement typically happens several months post-surgery once swelling has fully resolved.
Will medical insurance cover the sleep study too?
In some cases, yes — particularly when bite correction and airway improvement are both needed. Dr. McGann will assess your jaw structure and airway together and discuss whether a combined approach makes sense.
Can sleep apnea surgery be combined with orthodontic treatment?
In most cases, yes. Sleep studies are typically covered under medical insurance when OSA is suspected. Check with your medical plan before scheduling.
Surgery Isn’t Right for Everyone — But for Some Patients, It Changes Everything
If you’ve tried CPAP and it hasn’t worked, or if you’re looking for a long-term structural solution rather than nightly management, jaw repositioning surgery is worth a serious conversation. Dr. McGann will give you an honest assessment of whether you’re a candidate and what the realistic outcomes look like.
McGann Oral Surgery is located at 3861 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103 — get directions.