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• 19 Feb

When you have a problem that requires jaw surgery, it’s important to talk to an oral surgeon who does this type of surgery. If you get a referral from your dentist, it can help you to find a good practitioner in your local area. Sometimes, a crooked jaw treatment takes jaw surgery to move the jaw to a different position. If you have dental coverage, you probably have dental insurance that covers jaw surgery. However, the surgery can be expensive, and you may not have enough coverage to completely pay for the surgery.

Facial jaw surgery is often done because the jaw is in a misaligned position. To fix a misaligned jaw, the surgeon or anesthetist can give you anesthesia before your procedure. Then, they will have to reposition the jaw so that your jaws and your teeth line up better. This can greatly change the way that you look. Many people get this done for purely cosmetic reasons, especially when they have a receding chin. Changing the jaw’s position can give you an entirely new profile that looks more in line with a normal profile. This surgery can be expensive, so it may help to find a surgeon that does financing.

Jaw surgery is performed on thousands of dental patients each year. While choosing the right professional to perform your oral surgery is vital, it also helps to inform yourself as a patient of the main benefits, risks, and preparation steps of some basic types of oral surgeries. Here’s what all patients considering jaw surgery should know before making their appointment or meeting with an oral surgeon.

When is the right time for jaw surgery?

Your oral surgeon can recommend the right time for jaw surgery, but in most cases, it’s important to make sure the jaw is fully finished growing. Jaw surgery is appropriate after growth stops, usually around ages 14 to 16 years for females and ages 17 to 21 years for males, according to Mayo Clinic. Again, if you have questions, consult your jaw surgeon.

How is jaw surgery performed?

It should come as no surprise that jaw surgery is performed differently depending on the facial anatomy of the patient as well as surgery type. However, they typically involve several of the same steps:

“Your surgeon makes cuts in the jawbones and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaw movement is completed, tiny bone plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to secure the bones into their new position. These screws — which are smaller than a bracket used for braces — become integrated into the bone structure over time,” says Mayo Clinic.

What are the risks of jaw surgery?

As is the case with all medical procedures, jaw surgeries aren’t risk-free. Potential complications include blood loss, infection, nerve injury, fracturing, need for more surgery, biting problems, and more. However, patients who follow their oral surgeon’s advice both before and after their selected surgery is complete are much less likely to experience these complications. Don’t hesitate to ask your oral surgery professional about what other steps you can take to mitigate your risk of complications.

Ultimately, staying informed about your dental care or jaw surgery needs can help you stay relaxed and at ease when the time comes to get the procedure. For more information about jaw surgeries or tooth extractions, contact Lincoln Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.