Although orthodontic treatment can be extremely successful at aligning many common bite problems, in some cases it may not be effective enough on its own. In those situations, corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be recommended. While it’s natural to have some questions or concerns before your treatment, the truth is that orthognathic surgery could be one of the best decisions you ever make for your oral health. In that spirit, here are a few common questions patients ask before procedure, so you can help put your mind at ease about this exciting new chapter of your life!
What are the benefits of jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery was designed to improve the occlusion of the teeth and function of your jaws. It could also potentially improve the function of the airway, lips, and your overall oral health. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it may also help reduce symptoms, and it can even improve your facial aesthetics and speech articulation.
How long does jaw surgery take?
The surgery itself can take anywhere from 90 minutes to six hours, depending on your individual jaw. In some cases, you may require several different procedures at once.
However, the entire process of getting jaw surgery can take about two years. That’s because you may need to wear pre-surgical orthodontics for six to 12 months prior to your procedure. Following surgery, you’ll need to heal for at least three months, followed by another three to 12 months of orthodontic treatment.
If my procedure requires screws or plates, will these need to be removed at some point?
Your surgeon may use screws or plates to secure the jaws into their proper alignment; however, although they’re not necessary for a healed jaw, they are not typically removed. Typically, they are made of the same biocompatible titanium as dental implants, which is perfectly safe for the body. Furthermore, due to their small size, most patients won’t even notice they’re there.
How long will I spend at the hospital?
Although many patients will not need to spend the night in a hospital following jaw surgery, if they do, it is typically just one or two evenings, and in many cases, you can have a friend or relative stay with you to keep you company while you’re there.
What is the best age to undergo jaw surgery?
Although there’s no upper age limit on jaw surgery, you must have completed skeletal growth first. This is because by intervening too early, it could cause more complications or require additional surgeries later. Thus, it is best to wait to ensure that you get the best results the first time.
Is recovering from jaw surgery painful?
While recovery from any surgical procedure will naturally cause some discomfort, most patients say they were surprised at how mild their pain was following jaw surgery. In fact, while your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers to help you through the early stages, many patients no longer need any type of medication after about 10 days post-op.
Remember, corrective jaw surgery can help align your bite when methods like orthodontics don’t go far enough. While it’s natural to be anxious or concerned, the good news is that these procedures are very safe and effective. If you have any questions that aren’t mentioned here, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist or oral surgeon for more information.
About Dr. Ji
Dr. Sheng Ji earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics at UCLA in 2009 and his dental degree at the University of California, San Francisco in 2013. He then went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Texas, Southwestern in 2016 and completed his specialty training in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Today, he is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Sacramento District Dental Society, and the California Dental Association. To schedule a consultation for jaw surgery, visit our website or call 916-961-1902.