Orthognathic Surgery Hillsboro
Hillsboro, OR
 Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, represents a transformative and often life-changing intervention intended to address various jaw and facial irregularities.
Understanding Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery, a specialized realm within oral and maxillofacial surgery, targets severe jaw discrepancies and facial deformities. These anomalies can impact jaw alignment, resulting in functional challenges like chewing, speaking, or breathing difficulties, along with aesthetic concerns related to facial symmetry.
The procedure entails meticulously planned adjustments to the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, tailored to each patient's unique requirements. Orthognathic surgery aims to restore facial harmony, improve bite function, and enhance overall facial aesthetics, serving as a corrective measure for misaligned jaws.
Duration of Jaw Surgery
The duration of orthognathic jaw surgery varies, contingent upon case complexity and specific corrective measures needed. Typically, the surgical procedure itself may span several hours, inclusive of pre-operative preparation, anesthesia induction, and post-operative recovery.
Recovery from orthognathic surgery involves a period of reduced activity and gradual return to normal activities. Complete recovery, including swelling resolution and optimal jaw function, may extend from a few weeks to several months.
Candidates for Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is recommended for individuals grappling with significant jaw and facial irregularities impacting both function and aesthetics. Common conditions warranting orthognathic surgery include severe misalignments (malocclusions) like overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, asymmetry in facial bones, structural issues hindering chewing, speaking, or breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Safety of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic jaw surgery, when performed by a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in conjunction with an orthodontist, is deemed safe. Despite inherent risks like infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related complications, advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and safety protocols have significantly mitigated associated risks.
Comprehensive pre-operative assessments, encompassing detailed imaging and diagnostic evaluations, further enhance the safety of orthognathic surgery.
Optimal Age for Jaw Surgery
The ideal age for orthognathic surgery varies, typically deferred until facial growth completion in late adolescence or early adulthood to align surgical corrections with facial development. The prime age for jaw surgery generally falls between 18 and 25 years. However, individual cases may warrant surgery earlier or later, contingent upon jaw irregularity severity and overall health.
Success Rate of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery boasts a high success rate in rectifying various jaw irregularities and achieving intended functional and aesthetic outcomes. Success hinges on factors like surgical expertise, pre-operative planning, patient compliance with post-operative care, and case complexity.
Patients typically experience substantial improvements in jaw function, facial aesthetics, and overall quality of life post-surgery, further bolstered by a collaborative healthcare approach.
Recovery Timeline After Jaw Surgery
Recovery duration post-orthognathic surgery varies based on procedural extent, adjustments made, and patient health. Initial healing, marked by swelling, discomfort, and restricted jaw movement, spans several weeks. Complete recovery may range from weeks to months.
Post-operative care adherence, including medication compliance, dietary restrictions, and follow-up appointments, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth recovery journey.
Side Effects of Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery may entail temporary side effects as the body adapts to changes. Common side effects include swelling, discomfort, bruising, restricted jaw movement, and temporary numbness or altered sensation in specific areas. Patients are briefed on potential side effects pre-operatively, with healthcare teams on standby to manage and alleviate discomfort during recovery.
Dietary Guidelines After Jaw Surgery
Following orthognathic surgery, patients typically adhere to a liquid or soft diet initially to minimize strain on the healing jaw. Suitable options include smoothies, shakes, yogurt, pudding, and soup. As recovery progresses, softer, more solid foods are gradually reintroduced, avoiding hard or sticky foods initially to prevent undue pressure on the healing jaw. |
