What to Expect from Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery is a medical process of realignment of jaw irregularities. If you need to get jaw surgery in 76210, we've got you covered!

Patients who have experienced facial trauma are the usual people who need this treatment. They undergo jaw surgery to fix the structure of their jaw, improve aesthetics, and improve their quality of life.

Why Do You Need Jaw Surgery?

There are various reasons why someone has to have their jaw fixed. Some have jaw irregularities, and some just want to boost their self-esteem by improving their facial appearance.  

Either way, there are reasons why your jaw needs medical attention, and some are:

• Pain or difficulty in closing lips, chewing or biting, swallowing, or even speaking
• Mismatched teeth that an orthodontist can't fix
• Jaw joint pain
• Cleft palate condition
• Jaw trauma and/or accident
• Facial imbalance

These reasons typically lead to jaw surgery, especially when an orthodontist can't help the complications. Going through the jaw surgery process, the reasons above are all to make yourself feel better and comfortable.

Jaw Surgery Risks

Like any surgery, oral surgery has potential risks that your surgeon will discuss right before starting the surgical process. The hazards include the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Bad reactions with anesthesia
• Jaw nerve injury and relapsing of jaw
• TMJ pain  

With an experienced surgeon, however, you can expect a smooth procedure. These risks are extremely rare.

Jaw Surgery Types and Procedures

Depending on the problems or purpose, there are different types of jaw surgeries.

Maxillary Osteotomy

It is done when the mouth problem is on the upper part of your jaw or the maxillary. In this type of surgery, your upper teeth will be accessed through a small incision in your gums above your upper teeth.

The bone of your upper jaw will be moved forward through a cut to align it with your lower teeth. Plates or screws will be placed to hold the adjusted position, and stitches will be used to close the incision to the gum.

Mandibular Osteotomy

This process is being done on the lower part of your jaw or your mandible. The exact process from Maxillary osteotomy can be done, like the incision, cutting, adjusting, and closing.

Bimaxillary Osteotomy  

This process is done on both the upper and lower part of your jaw. The procedure includes everything on Maxillary and Mandibular osteotomy. The oral surgeon might use 3D software for a successful and more straightforward operation.

Genioplasty  

Chin surgery covers up genioplasty. The surgical process includes an incision around the gums to the lower lip, cutting a part of chin bone for moving adjustments, placing plates or screws for adjustment holding, and closing the incision with stitches.

TMJ surgery

TMD or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders cause pain and dysfunction in the muscles that control the jaw.  

This type of surgery includes three types that the surgeon will discuss and perform according to your need: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open joint surgery.

Jaw Surgery Expectations: Before, During, and After

It's better to come prepared as you start your surgery. Below are the expectations to set so you can be surgery-ready!

Before the Surgery

Expect a few appointments with your surgeon, with them setting up expectations and asking a couple of questions such as maintenance of medicines you might be taking, vitamins, and allergies.

The doctor might perform 3D computer software x-rays to get a better sense of how to prepare.

Preparing soft food and nutritional drinks will help for once the surgery is completed. You shouldn’t expect to eat regularly right after the procedure.

The Surgery Day

Depending on the jaw modification, the surgery will be performed with general and local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. The procedure may last from one to several hours.

After the Surgery

The doctor might prescribe a couple of medications, including pain relievers, antibiotics, and decongestants. The doctor will also discuss the food intake required.

Numbness, stifling, swelling, and discomfort can be expected. The risk of infections regarding this type of surgery is rare. Healing may take some time, but the process can vary. The doctor will be able to review your recovery timetable with you.

Do You Need Jaw Surgery in 76210?

Jaw surgery is considered safe and not something to be scared of, especially when you need the procedure for your benefit. Being appropriately informed about what to expect from having jaw surgery is enough to be surgery-ready!  

If you need to get jaw surgery, you can rely on us. Texas Oral Surgery Group can help with your jaw surgery needs and can be expected to guide you as you plan, undergo, and heal from your surgery. Call us today for an appointment.

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