Orthognathic Jaw Reconstruction
Overview
Definition
Corrective jaw surgery will reshape or reposition the jaw bones. The surgery may be done on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. This surgery may also be called:
- Maxillary osteotomy—upper jaw
- Mandibular osteotomy—lower jaw
The bone should heal in about 6 weeks. It will take about 9 to 12 months before the jaw fully heals.
The Upper and Lower Jaw Bones |
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Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review problems that could happen such as:
- Numbness or pain in sinuses, ears, or teeth
- Excess bleeding
- No improvement in symptoms
- Poor cosmetic outcome
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia, such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and wheezing
- Infection
- Nausea and vomiting
Factors that may increase the risk of problems include:
- Smoking
- Bleeding disorders
- Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease
Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a (Orthognathic Surgery; Maxillofacial Surgery; Maxillary Osteotomy; Mandibular Osteotomy)
RESOURCES
American Academy of Periodontology http://www.perio.org
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons http://www.aaoms.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Dental Association http://www.cda-adc.ca
Dental Hygiene Canada http://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca
References
Corrective jaw surgery. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website. Available at: http://myoms.org/procedures/corrective-jaw-surgery. Accessed May 27, 2018.
Home care after surgery. Fallon Oral Surgery of Syracuse. Available at: http://www.fallonoralsurgery.com/forms/Home%5FCare%5FAfter%5FSurgery.pdf. Accessed May 27, 2018.
Orthognathic surgery. Harvard Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Available at: http://www.massgeneral.org/omfs/services/procedure.aspx?id=2166. Accessed May 27, 2018.
Oral wound care after Mohs Surgery. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Available at: http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/wound-skin/4941.html. Accessed May 27, 2018.