ພາສາລາວ
Jaw Surgery
What is jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery is used to correct problems when the jawbone is in the wrong position. Jaw surgery is usually performed in conjunction with orthodontics, where the orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon work together to achieve the best possible outcome after surgery, both in terms of aesthetics and function.
Facial and jaw abnormalities
Upper jaw: This is caused by the upper jaw growing smaller than normal, which is often seen in cases of cleft palate while at a young age, resulting in limited growth of the upper jawbone.
Upper jaw is set back more than normal: This is caused by less growth of the upper jaw than normal, which is often seen in cases of cleft lip and palate. After surgery to treat a cleft lip or palate while still young, the growth of the upper jaw bone is restricted.
Mandibular overgrowth: This occurs in people who have a particularly large growth of the lower jaw, resulting in a long lower jaw. The face looks very long and the lower teeth protrude forward. Normally, when biting, the lower teeth are inward than the upper teeth, while people with a long lower jaw often find that the lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth.
Mandibular overgrowth: During abnormal development due to various factors
Genetics result in a small jaw, looking like a bird’s face. “Bird Face” causes the jaw to develop improperly.
Jaw reduction procedure
Evaluation: The doctor performs an initial evaluation, including facial features, photographs, x-rays, dental impressions, and a medical examination. To rule out any health problems that may affect the surgery or anesthesia
Preoperative preparation: Aligning the teeth to prepare the jaw for surgery
Surgery and postoperative care: You will need to stay in the hospital for a day before surgery to withhold fluids, food, and to prepare for surgery the next day. On the day of surgery, anesthesia will be used, which is done in the hospital and requires a 1-3 day hospital stay. Blood may also be given during surgery.
Postoperative care: Orthodontics after surgery to correct the complete alignment of the teeth
Duration of jaw surgery
A jaw surgery can take from 1.5 hours to several hours, depending on the type of surgery. The mouth is often cleaned so that no external scars are visible
Postoperative care after jaw surgery
Follow your doctor’s instructions strictly
Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and using mouthwash to reduce infection and other complications
A liquid diet should be followed for 2-4 weeks
FAQ
Since jaw surgery is a surgery that helps to correct the jaw in the correct position, it cannot help with the alignment or position of the teeth, therefore, orthodontics is required
Postoperative swelling can be managed as follows
Take medication to reduce swelling
Use cold compresses for the first 3-5 days after surgery, then switch to hot/warm compresses for another 3 days or as directed by your doctor
Should lie down, with your head elevated about 30 degrees, for about 2 weeks
Each person may experience less or more pain, which can vary. Pain can be managed by taking painkillers along with strictly following the instructions of your surgeon and doctor in the post-operative care
The precautions for jaw surgery are as follows
• Avoid chewing food for at least 3 months.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or activities such as running, lifting heavy objects due to tearing of the wound and blood loss.