Corrective Jaw Surgery San Diego

Corrective jaw surgery, technically termed as orthognathic surgery, is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct improperly aligned jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. Corrective jaw surgery improves both cosmetic and functional outcome of the jaws, enhancing facial proportions while also allowing the jaws and teeth to function normally in various critical aspects including eating and breathing. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) orthodontics (braces) can usually correct an overbite or underbite, issues where only the teeth are improperly aligned, but to correct issues caused by improperly aligned jaws, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary.

Why is Corrective Jaw Surgery Necessary?

When the jaws do not align correctly, there are several issues that can arise making even common daily tasks like eating very difficult. It can also bring about debilitating symptoms such as jaw pain, headache, and difficulty sleeping. Signs and symptoms that may arise as the result of improperly aligned jaws include:

• Difficulty Eating/Chewing
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Difficulty Breathing
• Difficulty Sleeping (Sleep Apnea, Snoring, etc…)
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
• Headache
• Damage to Teeth
• Persistently Open Mouth
• Misaligned Facial Features
• Protruding Jaw

Candidates for Corrective Jaw Surgery:

If you have been suffering any of the signs or symptoms shown above, you should schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon like Dr. Talebzadeh in San Diego. During your consultation, Dr. Talebzadeh can determine if you are a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery after a thorough physical examination and imaging tests like an x-ray are performed. This will determine whether or not there is a misalignment of the upper and lower jawbones.

Corrective Jaw Surgery – The Procedure:

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery, you may be fitted into temporary braces to help move your teeth into a better position. Once your preparations for the surgical procedure are complete, a pre-surgical checkup may be performed with additional x-rays to ensure the treatment plan is going accordingly. For the actual procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort. Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Talebzadeh will then carefully reposition your jawbones as previously discussed and decided in your treatment plan. In most cases, incisions are made inside the mouth to ensure there is no visible scarring. After your jaws have been repositioned, your teeth will also be aligned correctly.

Recovery Following Corrective Jaw Surgery:

Following surgery, you will rest in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. A thorough recovery plan will have been discussed with you, including necessary dietary changes while your jaw heals. You will gradually transition back to your normal diet and lifestyle but it will be important to refrain from smoking and strenuous activity until cleared to do so. Any pain following surgery will be managed with prescribed pain medication, and most patients report that they are able to return to work/school within 1-2 weeks. Complete healing of the jaws can take up to a year, although most patients report feeling normal within a few weeks after surgery.