Essential Information to Have before Going for Orthodontic Surgery
Orthodontic surgery helps correct facial imbalances to allow the jawbones to fit together. If your jaw is incorrectly lined, you may experience pain when chewing and challenges breathing or speaking. In addition, some people may not like the appearance of their jaw, causing issues with self-confidence. In such cases, jaw surgery can provide relief to let you enjoy a better quality of life and may involve the maxilla or mandible.
Jaw Surgery Explained
Your jaws have several parts and functions. The upper jaw shapes the middle of your face to form a boundary between your mouth’s roof and the nose area. The lower jaw is the bone that helps as your mouth opens and closes when speaking or eating. Finally, the lower jaw supports your bottom teeth and tongue and shapes your chin and lower face.
When consulting with the specialist providing orthodontic treatment in St Petersburg, FL, you may hear medical terms like orthognathic the causes and treatment of the bones of your jaw that are incorrectly positioned. You may also hear the term osteotomy, which refers to surgery on the jawbones.
Who Performs Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is usually performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons because these specialists receive training to diagnose and treat conditions associated with the head, neck, face, jaws, tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips. Before jaw surgery, you must consult an orthodontist who may try treating your problems with dental braces. The oral surgeon works closely with the orthodontist from the planning stages until the final step of the procedure.
Before the procedure, your orthodontist will attempt to move your teeth into position with braces to ensure your teeth fit together after your surgery. If you must undergo this process, please remain patient because you may feel your teeth do not fit together initially after the surgery. However, the teeth will work together efficiently for eating and comfort after the procedure. Some people may need braces even after the procedure to continue moving their teeth.
Jaw surgery is delayed until 17 or 21 for males and 14 or 16 for females to complete jaw growth. Unfortunately, children with jaw problems making it challenging for them to eat and speak may require an evaluation from the pediatric dentist near you before receiving a referral to a craniomaxillofacial specialist.
Preparing for Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is performed in a hospital or the oral or maxillofacial surgeon’s office. During your initial discussions, speak with your healthcare provider about any issues that might affect the surgical process, like medicines that you take and any allergies affecting you. Inquire whether you can take your regular medications before surgery.
In addition, prepare for the procedure by stocking up on soft foods and nutritional drinks and arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride home after the procedure.
Expectations from Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires one or several hours. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in your mouth to add, remove, or shape the bone according to jaw modifications needed. Small incisions may also be made on the exterior of the mouth if required, and in such cases, the surgeon remains cautious to minimize scarring. Inside your mouth, tiny screws, wires, surgical plates, or unique rubber bands help hold the jawbone together after the procedure. If additional bone is needed, the surgeon takes it from other parts of your body.
Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery
If an experienced oral or maxillofacial surgeon performs your orthognathic surgery, the procedure is safe, and infections after the surgery are rare. However, you may receive intravenous antibiotics during the process to prevent infections. Your surgeon also prescribes oral antibiotics for seven to ten days after the procedure.
Some surgeons might recommend my pain relievers and prescription painkillers to ensure you don’t rush to the emergency dentist in St Petersburg seeking treatments for pain after the surgical procedure. If you have undergone upper jaw surgery, the session might prescribe a nasal decongestant to reduce swelling in the nasal area.
You must prepare yourself to return for follow-up appointments with the surgeon after one, four, six, and 12 weeks to ensure your jaw and bite are stable.
Having jaw surgery from Dr. Weatherwax helps you relieve pain, improve speech, eating abilities, and enhance self-confidence. Receiving the treatment from a team with an orthodontist and an oral surgeon gives you knowledgeable advice to help you navigate the decision. In addition, understanding the risks and how to prepare for the surgical process helps you reduce stress and improves your recovery.
If you are recommended jaw surgery for the problems described, please consider visiting Dental Arts Ninth Street to undergo the procedure from experienced professionals.
