At Texas Oral Surgery Group, we believe in providing compassionate, patient-centered care for every person who walks through our doors. Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Stewart, Dr. Michael, and Dr. Choi, is here to guide you through every step of your journey to better oral health. Whether you're dealing with jaw pain, misalignment, or other concerns, we specialize in jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) to help improve both your appearance and function. With our expertise, we strive to help you feel confident in your smile and your health.
We understand that jaw surgery is a significant step, and we are here to make your experience as comfortable and positive as possible. Our skilled team works closely with you to provide personalized care throughout your entire journey, from the initial consultation to the recovery process. Dr. Stewart, Dr. Michael, and Dr. Choi use advanced surgical techniques to address your specific concerns and help you achieve the best results, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to fit your needs.
At Texas Oral Surgery Group, jaw surgery is a solution we offer for a variety of concerns, including correcting facial asymmetry, alleviating pain, and improving function. Our goal is to enhance your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence, all while improving your overall quality of life. We're committed to supporting you through every step, so you can enjoy lasting comfort and satisfaction with your results.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a transformative procedure designed to correct jaw and facial structure issues. Whether due to congenital conditions, injury, or bite problems, this surgery is intended to improve both the appearance and function of the jaw.
If you are struggling with misalignment, difficulty chewing or experiencing jaw pain, jaw surgery may be the solution you've been searching for. The procedure can improve how you look, speak, and even chew, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.
Your journey with jaw surgery begins with a thorough consultation, where our surgeon will evaluate your unique needs. This may involve advanced imaging tests like X-rays or CBCT scans to gain a clear picture of your jaw’s structure. From there, a personalized surgical plan will be created just for you, ensuring the best approach to your specific condition.
Why Might You Need Jaw Surgery?
There are several reasons people consider jaw surgery, and it can address both functional and aesthetic concerns. Some common reasons include:
Malocclusion (Misalignment):
If you have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to an improper bite, jaw surgery can realign your teeth and jaws, improving both function and appearance.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder:
If you're dealing with severe jaw pain, clicking sounds, or discomfort, jaw surgery can help realign the jaw joints, providing relief and improving jaw movement.
Facial Trauma:
Injuries to the face, such as fractures or damage to the jaw, may require surgical intervention to restore the jaw's natural alignment.
Sleep Apnea
For some individuals with sleep apnea, jaw surgery can reposition the jaw and soft tissues to improve airflow, enhancing breathing during sleep.
Aesthetic Concerns
If you feel that the shape or alignment of your jaw affects your appearance, corrective surgery can bring balance to your facial features and boost your confidence.
Regardless of the reason, jaw surgery offers a chance to improve both your health and self-esteem by addressing structural issues affecting your life.
Types of Jaw Surgery
Depending on your specific needs, different types of jaw surgeries may be recommended. These include:
- Orthognathic Surgery: This is the most common procedure, correcting irregularities in the jaw structure to improve both function and appearance.
- Mandibular Osteotomy: A surgery to reposition the lower jaw, often used to correct overbites or underbites.
- Maxillary Osteotomy: A procedure to reposition the upper jaw for improved alignment.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgery to treat TMJ disorder and relieve joint pain and dysfunction.
- Distraction Osteogenesis: This technique gradually lengthens or reshapes the jawbone and is used for more complex jaw issues.
Our oral surgeon will help determine the most appropriate surgery based on your unique needs.
Preparing for Your Jaw Surgery
Preparing for jaw surgery is an essential part of ensuring a smooth procedure and recovery. Here are some important steps:
- Pre-Surgery Instructions: Our surgeon will provide clear instructions for you to follow, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.
- Transportation: As you'll likely be under anesthesia, arrange for someone to drive you to and from the office.
- Health Considerations: Be sure to discuss any existing health conditions or medications with our surgeon so they can plan accordingly.
- Soft Food Diet: It’s helpful to stock up on soft foods that will be easy to eat post-surgery. Preparing for recovery ahead of time can make your healing process easier. Call us to learn more.
What to Expect During Your Jaw Surgery
Understanding the surgery itself can help reduce any anxiety you may have. On the day of your procedure, our oral surgeon will ensure you are comfortable by administering anesthesia. Then, they will make precise incisions inside your mouth, allowing access to your jawbone. The surgeon will adjust the bone as necessary, and once the changes are complete, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable stitches.
The surgery will be carefully planned and performed with your comfort and safety in mind. Afterward, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to guide you through recovery.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Recovery is an important part of the process. Immediately following surgery, you may experience swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement. These are normal and will subside over time with proper care.
- Soft-Food Diet: For the first few days, stick to a soft-food diet and avoid anything that requires extensive chewing.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed medications as directed to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Gentle Exercises: Our surgeon may recommend gentle jaw exercises as part of your recovery routine to help you regain mobility and strength.
Each recovery journey is unique, so it's important to listen to your body and take things one day at a time.
Conclusion
Jaw surgery is a life-changing procedure that can significantly improve both the function and appearance of your jaw, leading to a more comfortable and confident life. Whether you are looking to address bite issues, alleviate jaw pain, or improve your facial aesthetics, this surgery can help you achieve a healthier, more harmonious smile. If you’re considering jaw surgery or have questions about how it could benefit you, we’re here to help.