What is Involved in Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Before and After Photo of Patient #113

Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

Before surgery, your orthodontist aligns your teeth using braces. This phase of treatment usually lasts from 6 to 12 months and requires regular orthodontist appointments for adjustments. Because your teeth are being moved into a position that will fit together after surgery, your bite may seem worse during this period. However, when your jaws are repositioned during surgery, your teeth should fit together properly. It may be necessary to have one or more teeth, including your third molars (wisdom teeth) removed during this early phase of treatment.

Pre-Surgical Records

After the initial orthodontic alignment, Dr. Joseph makes final surgical preparations. Records, X-rays, pictures and models of your teeth are updated and function as a guide for your surgery.

Preparing for Orthognathic Surgery

Most orthognathic procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center. Prior to surgery, your medical history is reviewed, and a physical examination is completed. Also, special dietary instructions and prescriptions are provided, and lab tests are performed. Occasionally a pre-surgical consultation with an anesthesiologist is required.

The Surgical Procedure

The duration of orthognathic surgery varies. Procedures involving the lower jaw usually require the separation of the rear portion of the jaw from the front portion that supports your teeth. This allows Dr. Joseph to reposition the tooth-bearing part of your lower jaw forward or backward. In the upper jaw, the tooth-bearing portion of the jaw is separated from its base and then repositioned up, down, forward or backward.

During surgery, Dr. Joseph moves your jawbones according to your specific needs. Occasionally, bone is added, taken away or reshaped. Tiny surgical plates and screws are used to hold your jaws in their new positions.

Diagram of Face After Corrective Jaw Surgery

Also, wires or rubber-bands may fasten your jaws together temporarily depending on the circumstances. Dr. Joseph may also place a plastic bite splint or guide to help maintain a proper bite. Although incisions are usually made inside the mouth, it is sometimes necessary to make small incisions outside the mouth. Care is always taken to minimize scarring.

Immediately Following Surgery

After surgery, patients are typically taken to a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia have subsided. (Family members and loved ones are not permitted in the recovery room.) Whether patients return home the day of surgery, or are required to stay overnight in the hospital, depends on each patient’s specific needs. In either case, it is important to drink adequate fluids to maintain proper nutrition before you return home. Patients are supplied with instructions for a modified diet, as well as a schedule for advancing to a normal diet. Tobacco products and strenuous physical activities must be avoided. Proper healing depends on strictly following all instructions.

Discomfort following orthognathic surgery is easily controlled. Prescriptions for pain medication, and ice packs that aid in the healing process are supplied.

Post-surgical swelling is expected. It typically peaks between 48 and 72 hours and then gradually subsides. Most swelling dissipates between 7 and 10 days, but slight residual swelling may be visible for several months. Bruising, nasal congestion and a sore throat may also occur after surgery and will steadily improve.

After surgery, Dr. Joseph works in conjunction with your orthodontist to “fine-tune” your bite. Once your braces are removed, it may be necessary to wear a retainer to help maintain your bite. Your treatment, including orthodontics before and after orthognathic surgery, may take 1-2 years to complete.

Follow-Up Care

After your orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment are completed, Dr. Joseph and your orthodontist will determine when and how often re-evaluations of your bite are needed. Also, regular check-ups with your general dentist are critical to maintain optimum dental health.

Further Study About Corrective Jaw Surgery