What is Jaw Surgery Like?

Do you have problems with chewing or biting on food, have jaw closure concerns, or a facial imbalance? If you experience one of these concerns, you might need jaw surgery. Aside from these concerns, jaw surgery in 76210 also provides relief for sleep apnea and pain caused by TMJ. 

It can also repair birth defects or facial injuries, enhances the ability of your lips to fully close with ease, and minimizes the breakdown of the teeth. Want to know what it’s like to get jaw surgery? Please read on.

Jaw Surgery Explained

Importance of Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, is typically required for patients who need to correct their bone problems. Most of these patients go to an orthodontist, thinking that they only need braces. However, along the assessment stage, it is discovered that they have an issue that only jaw surgery can fix.

Whenever you have to correct an undergrowth or overgrowth of your jaw, a mere orthodontic treatment can’t solve this problem. Nonetheless, you can still get braces after you have fully recovered from your jaw surgery. This will take about six weeks from when the surgical site has fully healed.

During the Surgery

To begin, an anesthesiologist will place you under general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the process. 

There are some patients who think that their oral surgeon will break their jaw during the surgery, but this is not true! The only thing oral surgeons do is to surgically separate the jaws. They can either perform a single-piece method wherein the separation of the jaw does not need much sectioning, or they can choose segmentalism, where they cut your jaw in sections to move it from one place to another.

Normally, your oral surgeon will start making cuts inside your mouth and pull your cheeks back to get the proper alignment. To correct your upper jaw, they will perform surgical cuts in your upper jaw and lift the gum tissue accordingly. On the other hand, to correct your lower jaw, they will make incisions in your cheeks to correct the misalignment issues. 

Once everything is secured, your oral surgeon will attach plates, screws, and other dental devices inside your jaw to guarantee they stay in position.

Does It Hurt?

Unlike in the past, jaw surgery doesn’t hurt due to the anesthesia administered before treatment, along with all the continuing advancements in technology. 

The only discomfort or pain you will typically experience is the administering of general anesthesia before the surgery. You will also most likely notice some discomfort in the coming days after the procedure has been finished. 

Nonetheless, these problems can effectively be addressed by taking prescription pain medication. Although the amount of time for patients to recover from jaw surgery varies on a case-to-case basis, you should be able to get back on track within three weeks. 

Are There Risk Factors?

Whether it’s a minor treatment or major surgery, risk factors always exist. However, the common risks when it comes to jaw surgery are infection and bleeding. The good thing about this is that it can easily be avoided if you fully comply with the precautionary measures your oral surgeon provided.

Other risks of jaw surgery include damage to your teeth, joint problems, incorrect alignment of jaw segments, and permanent tingling in the cheek or lips. All these can be prevented if you follow aftercare tips and you made sure that your oral surgeon is experienced and skilled in handling your condition.

How Long Is the Healing Period?

After your surgery, you’ll be sent home with instructions that you go on a liquid or soft food diet for a couple of days. Because of the soreness you’ll feel from the surgery, it will be uncomfortable and difficult for your mouth to chew. If you’re worried that your mouth will be wired shut the entire healing period, it won’t be. However, you have to be careful when moving your mouth since there are sutures that keep things together. These sutures should come out within two to four weeks on their own.

For two months after your surgery, your bones are still growing back together with the help of screws and plates placed by your oral surgeon. While healing time can vary, you can often expect everything to be back to normal by the third or fourth month from your surgery.

Are You in Need of Jaw Surgery in 76210

At Texas Oral Surgery Group, we use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Schedule an appointment today to get a successful and pain-free jaw surgery!