The face is the first feature a person notices when making an introduction, and the jaw is one of the most prominent comprising parts of a facial structure. Unfortunately, many men and women deal with countless issues regarding the structure of their jaw. Los Angeles Orthognathic surgeons, or surgeons who specialize in corrective jaw surgery, are experts in correcting a myriad of skeletal and dental problems that produce symptoms such as:
- Misaligned teeth
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Speech impediments
- Deterioration of cartilage surrounding the tooth
- Chronic or recurring jaw pain
- Forced breathing through the mouth
- Problems with sleep (e.g., snoring or sleep apnea)
Maxillary and Mandible Osteotomy
This procedure involves either the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible). Surgery is performed when the upper or lower jaw is protruding or receding enough to prevent the two from properly closing. Unfortunately, this issue cannot be solved through orthodontic treatment alone. Expert surgeons here in Los Angeles will change the shape of the upper or the lower jaw to create a perfect alignment.
This process requires general anesthesia, as the surgeon will make an incision through the roof of a patient’s mouth to access the upper jawbone or through the gums behind the lower teeth to access the lower jawbone. Once accessible, the surgeon will then break the jawbone in specific places and realign it with screws and plates.
Bimaxillary Advancement
This procedure is a form of osteotomy specifically for patients with a receded upper and lower jaw. Severe issues can arise for patients with jaws that recede too far into their cranial structure. Sleep apnea is one of the biggest issues that derive from problematic jaw placement, and bimaxillary advancement surgery has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for even the most severe cases of sleep apnea.
This surgery requires that patients be put under general anesthesia since the surgeon will make an incision through both the roof of the mouth and the gum surrounding the lower teeth to access the upper and lower jawbone, respectively. Once accessible, the surgeon will then break the jawbones in specific places and realign them with screws and plates.
After
Before
Distraction Osteogenesis
Before
After
This is a surgical procedure that corrects jaw and craniofacial deformities, specifically where the bone in the jaw requires lengthening. There are a few types of patients who typically undergo this procedure: children with cleft palates, adolescents whose maxillary or mandible did not fully develop, and trauma victims with a serious injury to either jawbone. The technique has been used for decades in other areas of the body, and it has been perfected by maxillofacial surgeons to produce predictable, safe results.
During surgery, either of the jawbones will be cut and stretched with a device called a distractor. The stretch happens slowly over time, and patients who undergo the procedure claim that it is less painful than oral braces. As the bone stretches, new bone grows in the space to fill the gap. This process is called osteogenesis.
Pain and Recovery
Patients can expect to experience some discomfort for a few weeks following mandibular or maxillary osteotomy or bimaxillary advancement. The recovery time of distraction osteogenesis is dependent on the conditions of the surgery, the type of distraction device utilized, and your body’s healing capacity. Due to the nature of these surgeries, it is best to plan about three weeks off work and other obligations. A more exact timeline can be provided during your consultation.
Painkillers are prescribed to counter residual pain from these procedures, and antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent the likelihood of any infections. For the first few days, it is normal to experience facial swelling, which can also restrict nasal breathing. The mouth will also be difficult to open widely until the swelling reduces and recovery progresses. For the first few days, only liquids may be consumed. Once a few days have passed, the patient may move up to eating only soft foods for a few weeks following the procedure. After this, the patient may return to their normal diet. You can always visit us here in Jaw Center Los Angeles.
FAQ
Who can orthognathic surgery help?
Orthognathic surgery can help anyone who is suffering from congenital deformities of the upper or lower jaw. In some cases, certain techniques may also be able to help trauma victims who have experienced significant damage to either jaw area.
How long should I expect to be out of work following the surgery?
Typically, you can expect to return to work three weeks after the surgery, but it does vary based on the individual surgery and healing.
Will I have to be put under general anesthesia?
Yes. The surgeries require that a significant portion of the roof of your mouth or the area surrounding your lower teeth be cut in order to access your jawbones.
How soon can I begin eating normally?
You will be on a strict liquid diet for a few days following the procedure. After that, you will graduate to soft foods for about three weeks. Your usual diet can resume after that time.
