Corrective Jaw Surgery in Millcreek

People who require jaw correction typically have misalignments due to birth defects or accidents. When orthodontic treatments are insufficient to address these issues alone, jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be necessary. This procedure can significantly improve oral health and function in crucial areas such as chewing, breathing, sleeping, and overall comfort. Since every individual is unique, it is important to be evaluated by a surgeon to determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.

To assess and determine whether a patient needs a jaw correction, the dentist may use specialized equipment to obtain X-rays and, in some cases, 3D imaging. Depending on the complexity of the case, the dentist may determine the need to collaborate with a maxillofacial oral surgeon. This evaluation is crucial for the doctors to develop a treatment plan according to the patient’s needs.

Patients needing a jaw correction procedure can expect the surgery to rebuild and align the jaw properly to improve crucial functions. Using specialized equipment, the surgeon may need to cut and move bones in the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or a combination of these to align the jaw correctly. This will improve the patient’s abilities in important areas such as biting, chewing, breathing, speaking, and comfort.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Post-surgery, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with medication. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions.

It is important to understand that the recovery process varies from person to person. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the healing time may differ. The doctor will go over detailed instructions and may restrict physical activities for up to 6 weeks to resume normal activities with some limitations. It could take up to 12 months for a full recovery. Attending follow-up appointments is crucial, as these visits allow the doctor to monitor your recovery progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the patient has the support needed.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions, cut bones, and move them to rebuild the jawbone properly. Because of this, there may be positive changes in the patient’s facial appearance. Although the goal of this procedure is not to enhance aesthetics but to improve oral health and the ability to improve speaking, sleeping, and eating, the facial improvement is noticeable after the procedure.

Just like in any surgery, there may be risks involved during a jawbone procedure. Thankfully, advancements in surgical techniques have improved, reducing the risks and shortening the recovery time. Some of the risks could include infection, nerve damage, injury, or the need for additional surgery. At Reason to Smile Dental, we count on an experienced surgeon who will help minimize the risks of the surgery. Our team prioritizes being with you every step of the way and closely monitoring your recovery process.

Following the instructions provided by the doctor before and after the surgery is crucial. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, orthodontic treatment may be necessary before and after the procedure. Patients should maintain a good diet and good dental hygiene before surgery to help the healing process and avoid smoking or drinking afterward to not affect the recovery. The patient should also attend all the follow-up appointments so that the doctor can monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments to support the patient according to his needs.

The long-term results of corrective jaw surgery are usually very good. This procedure can lead to better function, comfort, and appearance of the jaw. Attending the follow-up appointments and following the aftercare instructions will be crucial to the long-term outcome after the surgery.

This will depend on what type of insurance provider and what plan you have. Our insurance team will do our best to help you understand your benefits. However, it’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific plan details and coverage.