WITH DR. KEVIN COPPELSON
FAQ's
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
Q: What does fellowship training entail and why is it important?
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at The Breathe Institute in Southern California, Dr.Kevin Coppelson discusses the importance of fellowship training in medicine. He explains that this advanced training, undertaken after residency, is crucial for developing specialized knowledge and skills in specific medical areas. Dr. Coppelson's own expertise, gained through rigorous training that includes patient care, research, and teaching, spans a broad range of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. His practice focuses on treating maxillofacial deformities and sleep-related breathing disorders, encompassing procedures like corrective jaw surgery, minimally invasive jaw expansion, dental implants, and wisdom teeth management. His experience highlights the significant role of fellowship training in equipping physicians to be leaders and innovators in their fields.
Q: Can you explain the development and benefits of the MIND Technique?
The innovative MIND Technique is minimally invasive in nature. Dr. Coppelson explains how this approach, involving smaller incisions, leads to quicker recovery and less pain. Dr. Coppelson also details how the technique facilitates better three-dimensional expansion, improving breathing and widening the palate, often performed in-office under IV sedation.
Q: What is the MIND procedure?
Dr. Coppelson discusses what makes the MIND (Minimally Invasive Nasal Dilation) procedure, distinct from merely installing a MARPI (Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander). The MIND surgery, developed to achieve challenging maxillary expansions, is ideal for high-risk patients or those who have unsuccessfully tried MARPI-based expansion. The procedure is minimally invasive, usually performed in-office with IV sedation.
Q: How is forward expansion achieved in the MIND Procedure?
While traditional methods like LeFort 1 surgery focused on forward expansion, the MIND Procedure achieves this naturally through upper jaw widening. This innovative approach can potentially obviate the need for more invasive surgeries.
Q: Who is involved in the multidisciplinary approach to treatment?
Dr. Coppelson describes the comprehensive team involved in patient care, extending beyond the doctor-patient relationship. He emphasizes the roles of dentists, orthodontists, sleep doctors, and specialists in mindfulness, pain management, and nutrition, ensuring a holistic treatment approach.
Q: How is pain managed following
your procedures?
Dr. Coppelson discusses the multimodal pain management model, detailing how pain management is customized to each patient's needs. He explains the various techniques and medications used to ensure comfort and facilitate recovery.
Q: What kinds of issues can be related to the development and growth of the jaw?
Dr. Coppelson, in collaboration with a team of world class professionals, focuses on correcting jaw deformities, jaw injuries, and optimizing jaw orientation for better breathing function. He explains the importance of addressing jaw positioning issues to ensure the best possible airway health.
Q: Can you describe the evolution of orthognathic surgery?
Dr. Coppelson takes discusses the history of orthognathic surgery, from its analog beginnings to the current era of virtual surgical planning. Hilighting how these advancements have improved the precision and outcomes of jaw surgery.