Introduction to Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. While the goal is often to improve function, many patients experience enhanced appearance as a result of their surgery.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery
- Improved Functionality: Corrects problems with chewing, swallowing, and speech that result from misaligned jaws.
- Enhanced Appearance: Provides a more balanced appearance of the facial features, often dramatically enhancing the patient's aesthetics.
- Relief from Pain: Helps alleviate discomfort from TMJ disorders and other jaw-related issues.
- Improved Breathing: Can correct structural issues that cause obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties at night.
Who Needs Jaw Surgery?
Candidates for jaw surgery often experience difficulty related to the following conditions:
- Chronic Jaw or Jaw Joint (TMJ) Pain and Headache: Issues that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone.
- Unbalanced Facial Appearance: From the front or side, often noticeable from an underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
- Protruding Jaw: Excessively protruded lower jaw or receded upper jaw.
- Open Bite: Space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
- Birth Defects: Patients born with facial structure abnormalities also benefit from corrective jaw surgery.
What to Expect During Jaw Surgery
The process of jaw surgery is comprehensive and involves several stages:
- Pre-Surgical Consultation: Detailed imaging and planning with orthodontists and surgeons to define the surgical plan.
- Surgery: Performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity, surgery might involve one jaw or both.
- Recovery: Patients typically spend one to two days in the hospital post-surgery. Initial healing phase lasts about six weeks, with complete healing taking up to 12 months.
- Post-Surgical Care: Includes dietary adjustments, pain management, and regular check-ups to monitor healing and adjust treatment as necessary.
Post-Procedure Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
After surgery, patients will need to adhere to a modified diet, avoid strenuous activities, and possibly adapt to a temporary change in speech. Regular follow-ups with the surgical team are crucial to ensure a successful recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation for Jaw Surgery
If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above and think you might benefit from orthognathic surgery, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is skilled in complex jaw surgeries and committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
