Medical Intel

Sleep apnea, or when patients temporarily stop breathing during sleep, can be cured with corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Ravi Agarwal explains how it works and what to expect during recovery.   TRANSCRIPT Intro: MedStar Washington Hospital Center presents Medical Intel where our healthcare team shares health and wellness insights and gives you the inside story on advances in medicine. Host: Thanks for joining us today. We’re speaking with Dr. Ravi Agarwal, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the residency program director for the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Welcome, Dr. Agarwal. Dr. Ravi Agarwal: Thanks for having me here today. Host: Today we’re discussing corrective jaw surgery for obstructive sleep apnea and breathing issues. Dr. Agarwal, how is the jaw related to breathing conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea? Dr. Agarwal: Great question! Most people do not realize that the top jaw and the bottom jaw do more than just allow us to eat and chew. Th