Patients may need to undergo jaw surgery for any number of reasons. For example, such procedures may correct congenital problems or repair the joint following an injury or trauma.
Jaw surgery can help to alleviate a variety of symptoms, from pain and discomfort to difficulty chewing to sleep apnea. Some people choose jaw surgery for primarily cosmetic factors, too, in order to eliminate an unattractive problem with the bite or to bring the chin into proper proportion with the rest of the face.
Jaw surgery can help to alleviate a variety of symptoms, from pain and discomfort to difficulty chewing to sleep apnea.
If you have signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, your general dentist may recommend a consultation with an oral surgeon. Similarly, an orthodontist may recommend surgery for a patient whose case cannot be resolved through braces alone.
Prior to undergoing any surgical procedures on your jaw, you and oral surgeon will meet a number of times to plan the surgery. Your surgeon will explore your treatment goals and gather data that will help to shape the techniques and approach used during the procedure.
If you are having jaw surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may need to reposition the teeth before the surgery can be completed. The oral surgeon and orthodontist work as a team in such cases.
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may choose to take advantage of sedation dentistry or general anesthesia so that you will remain comfortable throughout the procedure. If you do, be sure to ask your oral surgeon what preparations are necessary to ensure a safe surgery.
Be prepared to give yourself adequate time for rest and recovery following the surgery, as well. At the very least, you’ll need to alter your diet to accommodate the healing process. Some patients may be able to eat soft foods, but others may have to switch to liquid meals for a few weeks.
Jaw surgery can be very complex, so it’s important to choose an oral surgeon who is experienced in performing such surgery. Your oral surgeon should be able to discuss the procedure in detail with you, and the surgeon should also be able to demonstrate results achieved with previous patients.
For more information and to schedule a consultation in the Dallas area, contact our dedicated and experienced oral surgery team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery.
