Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery, also referred to as orthognathic surgery, is necessary to treat a variety of jaw-related conditions. These include jaw or bite misalignment, injuries, breathing difficulty, and sleep apnea. Oral & Facial Surgery details the various types of jaw surgery. We customize surgical treatment plans based on patient needs.
Types of Jaw Surgery
There are several different types of jaw surgery available depending on exactly what condition you are experiencing. Some of these include mandibular osteotomy, maxillary osteotomy and genioplasty.
Mandibular osteotomy is used when patients have a receded lower jaw that causes an overbite. To perform this procedure, our oral & maxillofacial surgeon incises the left and right sides of the lower gums, just behind the molars. A cut is made into the bone so that the joint can be relocated to a proper position. The jaw is then held in its new position with plates and screws.
Maxillary osteotomy is used for a similar condition, a receded upper jaw. This leads to an underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Our oral & maxillofacial surgeon incises the upper gums to reshape the jaw and relocate it into the proper spot. Your teeth will be held to your jaw with a plastic wafer. The jaw is then held in its new place with metal plates and titanium screws, like with mandibular osteotomy. We also perform bimaxillary osteotomies, which are used when you need this procedure on both your upper and your lower jaw.
Genioplasty is performed for a receding chin. The procedure is also often performed at the same time as a mandibular osteotomy since the conditions are often related. Our oral & maxillofacial surgeon incises the lower gum and lip in the front. The chin bone is then cut and moved into the correct spot. We hold it in its place using the same plates and screws that we use for the other surgeries.
Surgical preparation will look different for each individual patient. In some cases, our oral & maxillofacial surgeon may require you to wear braces, retainers, mouthguards, and other pieces of dental equipment in the time leading up to surgery. Call Oral & Facial Surgery in the Lewiston/Clarkston region at 208-743-1640 or in the Moscow/Pullman region at 509-330-5020 to learn more about orthognathic surgery.
FAQs
What is jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure performed to correct a variety of jaw-related issues, including misalignment, injuries, breathing difficulties, and sleep apnea. It involves repositioning the jaw to improve function and appearance.
What are the different types of jaw surgery?
The main types of jaw surgery include:
- Mandibular osteotomy: Corrects a receded lower jaw (overbite).
- Maxillary osteotomy: Corrects a receded upper jaw (underbite, crossbite, or open bite).
- Genioplasty: Corrects a receding chin.
Some cases may require bimaxillary osteotomies, which involve adjustments to both the upper and lower jaws.
When is jaw surgery necessary?
Jaw surgery is necessary when jaw or bite misalignment, facial injuries, or conditions such as sleep apnea and breathing difficulties cannot be effectively addressed through non-surgical treatments. It is also used for significant aesthetic improvements in cases of jaw deformities.
What happens during a mandibular osteotomy?
During a mandibular osteotomy, incisions are made in the lower gums, and the lower jawbone is repositioned into the correct alignment. The new position is secured with plates and screws. This procedure is commonly performed to correct an overbite.
What should I expect during recovery from jaw surgery?
Recovery from jaw surgery involves a healing period of several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Patients may experience swelling, minor discomfort, and dietary restrictions. Follow-up visits are crucial to ensure proper healing and alignment.
Will I need orthodontic treatment before or after jaw surgery?
Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or retainers, is often required before and after jaw surgery to properly align the teeth and jaws. This ensures the best functional and aesthetic outcomes from the procedure. |
