Whether you are suffering from jaw deformities, facial asymmetrical issues or other dental problems, orthognathic surgery is the ultimate solution for all these problems. However, the surgical procedure is not a single event. It involves a series of procedures including, orthodontic, jaw surgery and then recovery process. If you are eager to learn more about orthognathic surgery, we have curated an orthognathic surgery 101 for you. So without any further delay, let’s get into it!
What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is commonly known as jaw surgery. Your jaws may not line up due to various reasons such as congenital issues, severe trauma, accident, and facial or dental disorder. In such circumstances, you might find it hard to eat and communicate. That’s when orthognathic surgery comes into play, and helps you in aligning your upper and lower jaws.
What should you expect before the procedure?
Before you can proceed with your orthognathic surgery process, there is lots of preparatory work involved to plan your surgery. Here are a few tests that are done to acquire the essential information to begin your surgery:
- X-ray tests
- CT scans
- Accurate photographs of your oral cavity
- Impression of your teeth
- Scanning of your teeth
Besides these tests, your healthcare provider will also guide you about your diet restrictions. They will restrict your food intake and only allow you to consume liquid food which you can eat without chewing. Since you will also receive a general anesthesia before your surgery, you can also ask the surgeon about its preparations.
What should you expect during the procedure?
During the surgical process, your surgeon will make cuts in the jawbone and relocate them in the correct position. As soon as your jaw bone gets the appropriate alignment, tiny bone plates, screws, wires and rubber bands are fixed to help the jawbone retain its new position. After some time, these screws are incorporated into the bone structure.
Sometimes, surgeons add an extra bone in your jaw. Bones from your hip, legs or ribs are used to secure your jaw bones. Other times, reshaping bones can result in a better fit.
Since orthognathic surgery is usually performed inside your mouth, there are no facial scars on your chin, jaw and around your mouth. In rare circumstances, surgeons might make a small incision outside your mouth.
Recovery after the surgery
Your jaw will recover from the pain and initial healing takes a period of six weeks after the surgery. However, the complete healing process takes over 12 weeks.
After the initial healing period, your orthodontist may get done with aligning your teeth with braces. However, it may take several years to complete the entire surgical process, starting from surgery to the removal of braces.
If you want to recover swiftly, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider, regarding oral hygiene, dietary plans and medications.
Final Thoughts
In sum, orthognathic surgery helps to align your jaws and helps you overcome various issues associated with it. However, it is a long process and needs adequate time for recovery. However, you can talk to our professionals at Rock Creek Oral Surgery to resolve your dental issues. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!