maxillomandibular advancement is a type of jaw surgery that moves the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) forward. It is most commonly used in sleep medicine and orthognathic (jaw-correcting) care. By advancing both jaws, it can increase the space behind the tongue and soft palate. It can also change facial balance and the way the teeth meet (occlusion).
OSA surgery is a group of surgical procedures used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep. OSA surgery aims to improve airflow by changing or stabilizing tissues in the nose, throat, tongue region, or jaws. It is commonly considered when non-surgical therapies are not effective, not tolerated, or when anatomy strongly contributes to obstruction.
sleep apnea surgery refers to surgical procedures used to reduce upper-airway blockage during sleep. It is most often discussed in the context of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing repeatedly narrows or stops due to airway collapse. These surgeries are commonly performed by ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often within a multidisciplinary sleep-medicine team. In dental care, it is most relevant when dentists screen for sleep-disordered breathing, coordinate referrals, or help manage oral-device alternatives.
An alveolar bone graft is a procedure that adds bone (or a bone substitute) to the tooth-bearing part of the jaw called the alveolar ridge. It is commonly used to rebuild bone volume after tooth loss, trauma, infection, or congenital conditions. The goal is to create a more stable foundation for teeth, dental implants, and healthy gum tissue. It can be performed in the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible), depending on the clinical need.
palatoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair the palate (the roof of the mouth). It is most commonly used to close a cleft palate or correct related palatal defects. The goal is to separate the mouth from the nose and support normal speech and feeding. It is typically performed within a multidisciplinary cleft or craniofacial care team.
cleft lip and palate surgery is a set of operations used to repair openings (clefts) in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both. It aims to restore more typical anatomy so that feeding, speech, breathing, and dental development can be better supported. It is commonly performed by a cleft/craniofacial team that may include plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ENT specialists, dentists, and orthodontists. Treatment is usually staged over time because the face, jaws, and teeth continue to grow and develop.
An **alveolar cleft graft** is a procedure that places bone into a gap in the **alveolar ridge** (the tooth-bearing part of the upper jaw). It is most commonly used for people born with a **cleft lip and/or cleft palate** that includes a split in the gumline area. The goal is to build a continuous bony ridge so teeth and the dental arch have stable support. It is typically coordinated with orthodontic and surgical cleft care.
scar revision is a group of procedures used to improve the appearance, texture, or function of a scar. It does not “erase” a scar; it aims to make a scar less noticeable or less restrictive. In dental and oral–maxillofacial care, it may be used for scars on the face, lips, or neck after injury or surgery. It can also be relevant after procedures near the mouth that heal with visible or symptomatic scarring.
soft tissue repair is a dental restorative approach that uses resin-based materials to rebuild or modify “soft tissue–colored” areas on a dental restoration. It is most commonly used to repair or recontour pink/gingival portions of dentures, implant prostheses, or other prosthetic work where gum tissue is being simulated. In practice, soft tissue repair materials are handled similarly to composite resins: they are placed in layers, light-cured, and then finished and polished. The goal is typically esthetic blending, surface sealing, and restoring contour where a prosthesis has chipped, worn, or needs adjustment.
laceration repair is the clinical process of closing a cut (laceration) in soft tissue so it can heal in an aligned, stable way. In dentistry, it most often refers to repairing cuts inside the mouth or around the lips after trauma or dental procedures. It commonly involves cleaning the wound and bringing the tissue edges together with sutures (stitches) or, in selected cases, tissue adhesive. The goals are to support healing, reduce bleeding, and restore normal function and comfort.