When Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?

When jaws don’t fit correctly, they can create much discomfort and pain, even making it difficult for one to chew or speak. It can even create a facial appearance that you may find negatively impacted. Patients who experience these discomforts are going through a malocclusion. Patients who suffer with these may also experience from a discomfort known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

When someone deals with malocclusions, their upper and lower jaws develop at different rates. An injury or congenital defect can usually be the cause of these issues arising in the first place. They sometimes can be addressed by utilizing orthodontic appliances, especially for younger children whose jaws are not quite fully developed. Other patients will need to undergo orthognathic surgery, which is a corrective procedure to reposition the misaligned jaws.

Is jaw surgery right for you?

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery can immediately help those in need of jaw correction and will immediately have a positive impact on your smile and allow you to chew more effectively. Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas will provide you with a consultation with one of our top oral surgeons to help answer any questions you may have about this process and give you peace of mind knowing you are being taken care of.

How jaw surgery works

Orthognathic surgery is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Your oral surgeon will consult with the orthodontist to determine the timing of the surgery, which must occur after the teeth are moved into certain positions. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon may use advanced technological imaging to better plan and prepare for the surgery.

This corrective jaw surgery can involve a number of techniques to bring the jaws into alignment, such as removing excess bone material in the upper jaw, which makes the face seem abnormally long, or in the lower jaw, which causes an underbite.

Most patients will undergo orthognathic surgery in a hospital or a specialized surgical center. This surgery can be extensive, and patients should plan for their post-operative needs in advance of the appointment. For the first few weeks after the surgery, the patient will need to eat a softer diet to avoid interfering with the healing process. Some patients may even have their jaws wired shut to ensure they remain in the correct positions.

If your orthodontist suggests this procedure as part of your treatment plan, visit one of our oral surgeons to learn more about the process and its benefits.

Receive a consultation

Start the process today. Give us a call and we can get started by planning a consultation. We will get information from you and your orthodontist so we can see if jaw surgery is right for you. Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas in Dallas, TX, takes immense pride in the work our oral surgeons provide and will ensure the top surgeons take care of you.

Call today to find out if jaw surgery is right for you!