Exploring the Role of Airway Deficiency on TMD, with Dr. Andy Loetscher

Everyday Oral Surgery

We often underestimate the importance of sleep and how “horror sleep” can negatively affect all aspects of our lives. One of the major hindrances to good sleep is airway complications, but maxillomandibular advancement surgical interventions may be the answer. To help us in our exploration of the impact of airway deficiency on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we are joined today by the jaw and airway expert, Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher, DDS, MS. In this episode, Dr. Andy explains how a compromised airway leads to TMD complications, with technical examples of the exact causes of TMD. He also describes how regular deep sleep can eradicate most problems, how premolar removal is detrimental and the best practices for TMD treatments. You’ll learn about assessing and preparing patients for maxillomandibular advancement surgery, Dr. Andy’s process for these surgeries, and receive some helpful resources on the value and power of good sleep, plus a whole lot more! Tune in today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The relationship between airways and TMD.
• How a compromised airway causes TMD issues.
• The importance of deep sleep.
• Best practices for TMD treatments.
• Getting technical about the exact causes of TMD.
• How premolar removal works as an effective treatment.
• His maxillomandibular advancement surgery process post-diagnosis.
• Examples of some of his more complicated cases.
• The relapses he sees in his patients and his outcomes regarding nerve issues.
• Some helpful resources on sleeping.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/atlantaoralsurgery

Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher on X — twitter.com/OralSurgeryATL

Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher Email — [e-mail]

Atlanta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center — jawimplant.com

‘Sleep Prosthodontics: A New Vision for Dentistry’ — id.cdeworld.com/courses/4684-sleep-prosthodontics-a-new-vision-for-dentistry

‘The Sleeping Brain: Harnessing the Power of the Glymphatic System through Lifestyle Choices’ — mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/11/868

Why We Sleep — amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316

The Matt Walker Podcast — sleepdiplomat.com/podcast

‘Dr. Matt Walker: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep’ — youtu.be/gbQFSMayJxk

Dr. Jeffrey S. Rouse — https://www.rousedds.com/jeffrey-rouse/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [e-mail]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059