What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct abnormalities in the jaw bones, teeth, and facial structure. It is a complex procedure that requires the expertise of a team of healthcare professionals, including an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist, and a periodontist.
Orthognathic surgery is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Malocclusions: Misaligned teeth and jaws that can lead to difficulties with chewing, speaking, and breathing.
- Jaw deformities: Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite are all examples of jaw deformities that can be corrected with orthognathic surgery.
- Sleep apnea: Orthognathic surgery can improve airway function and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Facial trauma: Orthognathic surgery can be used to repair facial injuries caused by trauma.
The orthognathic surgery procedure involves several steps, including:
- Examination and planning: The surgeon will examine the patient’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure to determine the best course of treatment. This will involve taking x-rays, photographs, and dental impressions.
- Orthodontic treatment: The patient will undergo orthodontic treatment to prepare their teeth for surgery. This may involve wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances for several months or even years.
- Surgery: The surgeon will perform the necessary procedures to reposition the jaw bones and correct any other abnormalities. This may involve cutting and repositioning the jaw bones, adding bone grafts or other materials, or reshaping the facial bones.
- Recovery: The patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care plan to ensure proper healing. This may involve eating soft foods, taking pain medications, and avoiding strenuous physical activity for several weeks.
Orthognathic surgery is a highly effective treatment option for many patients. It can improve both the function and appearance of the teeth, jaws, and facial structure. However, it is a major surgical procedure that requires careful planning, skilled surgical technique, and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to achieve the best results.
If you are considering orthognathic surgery, it is important to consult with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
Orthognathic surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves cutting and repositioning the jaw bones, which can cause some discomfort and pain. However, with proper pain management, most patients report that the pain is manageable and subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks after surgery.
After the surgery, your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage your pain. They may also recommend the use of ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain management and to report any significant pain or discomfort to them.
In addition to pain, patients may experience other side effects after orthognathic surgery, including swelling, bruising, and stiffness of the jaw. These side effects typically subside within a few weeks after surgery, but it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Overall, while orthognathic surgery can cause some discomfort and pain, most patients are able to manage their pain with proper pain management and report that the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the temporary discomfort. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about the procedure with your surgeon prior to the surgery.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Painful?
Orthognathic surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves cutting and repositioning the jaw bones, which can cause some discomfort and pain. However, with proper pain management, most patients report that the pain is manageable and subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks after surgery.
After the surgery, your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage your pain. They may also recommend the use of ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain management and to report any significant pain or discomfort to them.
In addition to pain, patients may experience other side effects after orthognathic surgery, including swelling, bruising, and stiffness of the jaw. These side effects typically subside within a few weeks after surgery, but it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Overall, while orthognathic surgery can cause some discomfort and pain, most patients are able to manage their pain with proper pain management and report that the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the temporary discomfort. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about the procedure with your surgeon prior to the surgery.