Upper and Lower Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

orthognathic surgery is used for correction of jaw related problems (applicable to both lower and upper jaws). Problems in the jaw can occur due to variety of reasons. Sometimes the bones and teeth of the face might not have developed in the correct manner.

Some of these problems are genetic in nature or problems that have occurred during the growth of the bones and teeth, while sometimes it might also be caused due to trauma. Such an abnormality can cause problems in chewing or in speech. Also the facial appearance is affected by the shape of the Jaw to a large extent.

Normally these kinds of problems can be handled by a visit to the orthodontist, who can correct these with the right set of braces, but in cases where it is not possible to be treated in such a manner, orthognathic surgery might be required.
Orthognathic surgery is normally a minor surgery that can be carried out on an out-patient basis.

Depending on the severity of the surgery, the patient might have to stay a day or two in the hospital after the orthognathic surgery. Normally the post surgery pain and the pain during the recovery period are not too much, compared to other major surgeries.

There are some procedures that the patient will start adhering to, even weeks before the orthognathic surgery. These might include having braces installed in their teeth, photographs taken of their mouth, teeth and jaw etc. After the orthognathic surgery during the recovery period, a patient has to take certain precautions –

For e.g. for the first few days after the surgery, the diet has to be soft and blended diet. Slowly over a few weeks, the patient can move from such a semi-liquid diet to soft items like pasta, and then on to soft meet to resume normal diet after six or seven weeks. Patient should also take care not to indulge in extreme physical activity.

People also undergo the orthognathic surgery to correct facial appearances. Since the Jaw is a major part in the bottom portion of the face, jaw correction can lead to change in facial appearances. Orthognathic surgery has become a safe and simple procedure of late and a lot of surgeries are being performed every year to correct various problems.

Patients should still take sufficient precautions and be informed about the surgical procedures, expected results, risks etc, since any surgery carries some risks and it is better to know and talk with your doctor regarding all the details before the surgery.

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