Orthognathic surgery /Jaw surgery
Orthognathic surgery/Jaw surgery
Orthognathic surgery also referred to as corrective jaw surgery or just jaw surgery, is surgery designed to correct conditions of the jaw and face associated with structure, growth, apnea , TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems due to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that can’t be easily treated with braces.
Orthognathic surgery can be used to correct:
- Jaw discrepancies (vertical,anteroposterior, or transverse discrepancies and open bites, overbites, underbites, or a receding chin).
- Skeletofacial discrepancies associated with documented sleep apnea, airway defects, soft tissue discrepancies and temporomandibular joint pathology.
- Insufficient growth of the midface(maxilla) in patients with an orofacial cleft
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an plastic surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist with help of virtual planning software and preparation of models and splints. It often includes braces before and after surgery, and retainers after the ultimate removal of braces.
Dr Rajendra S Gujjalanavar is specially trained in Orthognathic surgery.
Maxilla/ upper jaw osteotomy (Lefort I maxillary osteotomy)
Upper jaw cut as one unit and moved in forward, backward, upward , downward and aligned correctly in order to fit the upper teeth in place with the lower teeth, Then, the jaw is stabilized using titanium screws in new position
Mandible/ lower jaw osteotomy (Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of mandible (BSSO))
Lower jaw is cut and moved in upward, downward, forward, backward, and aligned correctly in order to fit the lower teeth in place with the upper teeth, Then, the jaw is stabilized using titanium screws in new position.
Double jaw surgery
It is a combination procedures, which involves surgery on both maxilla and mandible.
Genioplasty osteotomy
This procedure is employed for the advancement ( forward movement ) or retraction ( backward movement ) of the chin
What happens during the procedure?
The surgery is conducted under general anaesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours. The cuts are made on the upper and lower jaw depending upon the surgery and the bones are brought to the correct position and fixed with Titanium plates and screws. All the incisions are inside the mouth. So there are no external scars. All the wounds are closed with absorbable stitches.
What happens after surgery?
You will be usually kept in ICU for one day and shifted to the ward the next day. You might notice some mild oozing of blood from the mouth which is normal. There will be considerable swelling which slowly recedes over the week. You will be on soft diet for 3 weeks. You will be discharged after 3-4 days. There will be some rubber bands applied to the braces on discharge. Usually swelling settles by 3-4weeks.
What are the risks?
Infection, bleeding, swelling and pain are common complications that can happen. You might notice some numbness in the upper lip and lower lip due to stretching of the nerves. These are temporary and managed by medications.
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