Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic Surgery: Jaw Surgery:

When person’s jaws do not align properly or when teeth are unable to bite together properly, a patient may need corrective jaw surgery. This type of surgery involves surgically moving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws into a position that can improve a patient’s oral health, and even his or her systemic health.  This procedure is completed in an operating room at hospital under general anesthesia. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are specifically trained in performing these types of procedures. This treatment is typically coordinated between an oral surgeon and an orthodontist. Jaw surgery can correct numerous minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities unable to be treatment with orthodontic therapy alone, allowing patients to experience improved chewing, speaking, and breathing. The surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants, are well trained in performing various orthognathic procedures, and have extensive surgical experience to ensure an excellent and safe outcome.

Common Reasons for Jaw Surgery:

The following conditions indicate that you should seek consultation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if orthognathic surgery would be recommended:

  • Speech or breathing problems
  • Chewing, biting, or swallowing problems
  • Chronic jaw pain
  • Protruding jaw
  • Open bite
  • Receding chin
  • Sleep apnea
  • Excessive wear on teeth

Your initial examination:

When a patient visits with one of our experienced surgeons for consultation, a review of his or her medical history, a thorough exam, and review of x-rays, will be completed. We are able to demonstrate to a patient with the use of three-dimensional models, proposed surgical treatments by using the most current computer imaging and software, for a better understanding the surgical process. Drs. Omlie, Haas, Stich, Kurtzman, Pearson, Sundick, Neuner, McMahon, Spanel, Omlie and Ziegler are dedicated to your safety and surgical success.

Developing your treatment plan:

Our surgeons will help to determine what kind of corrective surgical procedure will be needed and be most beneficial.  A comprehensive care team that includes a restorative dentist, an orthodontist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, will work to ensure the best treatment plan and outcome for each patient’s specific needs. The surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants will ensure that every patient is well informed about the procedure, surgical outcomes and expectations, and the timeline of when surgery will be completed. 

After jaw surgery: Healing.

Due the fact that each individual’s treatment plan and surgery is unique, each patient’s healing process will be different.  Initially after surgery, a patient will typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure, in order for the surgeon to closely monitor and provide care as needed.  Patients will then go home to continue his or her healing process.  Typically, individuals do not return to work or school after completing this procedure for 1-2 weeks, but each case can vary due to patient age, procedure completed, school, sporting activities, extra circular activities, and occupation.

Diet: Patients will eat a soft, non-chew, predominately liquid diet for several weeks after the procedure.  Common foods consumed after jaw surgery are: soup, smoothies, ice cream, apple sauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and protein shakes.  Foods to avoid would be those that are hard, crunchy, or sticky such as raw vegetables, raw apples, chips, crackers, peanuts, toast, bagels, and steak.  

Once a patient is fully recovered and healed from jaw surgery, his or her teeth will fit together correctly. The jaw will be in a position that is more healthy, balanced and functional.  Once fully healed, he or she can resume all normal daily activities and resume a normal diet without restrictions.  

A detailed recovery plan outlining the recommendations, expectations, and restrictions, will be formulated and provided to each patient before and after the surgery has been completed, so as to ensure he or she feels confident about the entire process from start to finish.  The surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants, will make every effort to ensure that jaw surgery is as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.

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