Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

Jaw reconstructive surgery involves correcting structural problems in the jaw bones through surgical procedures. Jaw reconstructive surgery can help relieve problems associated with jaw irregularities and allow you to live a fuller, happier life.

A qualified jaw reconstructive surgeon can successfully treat congenital jaw defects, problems associated with how the jaw bones have developed and issues stemming from fractures, injuries or other sources of jaw bone loss.

Learn About Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

If you suffer from a jaw deformity, injury, overbite or underbite, bone loss or another jaw problem, you should seek medical help. A qualified jaw reconstructive doctor can determine whether or not you can benefit from jaw reconstructive surgery.

Jaw reconstructive surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, doesn’t just fix jaw irregularities that can lead to serious medical problems; it also can improve your quality of life by improving your appearance and self-esteem. Advancements in jaw reconstructive surgery procedures have made it possible to produce a more natural looking jaw, healthy jaw alignment and bone regrowth to correct bone loss.

Don’t wait to set up a consultation with a jaw reconstructive surgeon. Click on “Surgeon Locator” in our menu to find the best jaw reconstructive surgeons in your region.

Problems Corrected by Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

The jaw is constructed of the maxilla (upper jaw bone) and the mandible (lower jaw bone). These bones hold the teeth in place and control biting and chewing. They also are involved in breathing, speech and other functions that can be affected by jaw problems.

Jaw reconstructive surgery is aimed at restoring jaw function and correcting problems associated with the structure of the jaw bones. Some jaw problems affect only the mandible or maxilla, and surgery can be performed on only the affected bone. However, some jaw problems affect both jaw bones and surgery may be required on both bones to correct the problem.

Jaw reconstructive surgery can benefit people suffering from one or more of a variety of jaw problems, such as:

• Misalignment of the jaws (overbite or underbite)
• Underdeveloped jaw
• Cleft lips or palates
• Bone loss due to aging
• Bone loss due to fractures of the jaw
• Bone loss due to the removal of tumors from the jaw
• Birth defects and craniofacial abnormalities
• Facial injury
• Defects in the nasal airways, leading to sleep apnea
• TMJ or jaw pain

If left untreated, these jaw issues can lead to problems with:

• Biting, chewing, and swallowing
• Breathing
• Speech
• Oral health
• Appearance and self-esteem
• Chronic jaw pain
• Tooth loss

Jaw Reconstructive Surgery Procedure

Jaw reconstructive surgery normally requires general anesthesia. An inpatient procedure performed at a hospital or surgical center, jaw reconstructive surgery may require the patient to stay overnight for several days.

To perform jaw reconstructive surgery, the surgeon cuts and repositions the jaw bones to restructure the shape of the jaw with the goal of achieving natural form and function. The technical term for surgery to cut a bone is osteotomy. Once the bones are cut and repositioned, the surgeon will fasten them in place with screws, wires or other structural support mechanisms.

A bone graft may be required to help reshape the jaw. The surgeon removes a piece of bone from another area of the body, such as the hip, shapes it to fit the injured or deformed jaw bone and fixes it into place.

Depending on the deformity, the surgeon may only need to perform surgery on either the mandible or maxilla. However, for some jaw problems, surgery on both jaw bones is required. Your surgeon may work closely with an orthodontist to help monitor and correct problems with the teeth.

Jaw reconstructive surgery often requires orthodontics, or braces, which may be worn before surgery to prepare your teeth for the realignment of the jaw and worn after surgery for several years.

Jaw Reconstructive Surgery using Distraction

Distraction is a type of jaw reconstructive surgery in which the surgeon corrects bone problems by aiding new bone growth. The surgeon inserts a special device into the targeted area of the jaw and over a period of time expands the device once soft tissue has grown to replace lost bone. The jaw is reconstructed as the tissue hardens into bone and the device is moved yet again, encouraging a new area of bone growth.

After days or weeks of slowly moving the device to encourage bone growth, the device is removed.

Find a Jaw Reconstructive Surgery Doctor

Finding the right surgeon can make all the difference in your jaw reconstructive surgery experience. We work hard to connect you with the best doctors in your area. Our physicians are skilled and qualified in cutting-edge reconstructive surgery techniques. They perform surgery in accredited medical facilities, keep abreast of the latest developments in their field, complete continuing education in reconstructive surgery and follow the highest standards in patient care and safety.

Click on “Surgeon Locator” to search our physician directory for a surgeon in your region. You can read about physicians’ credentials, visit their websites, learn about the reconstructive surgery procedures they perform and see pictures of their offices and patients.

The first step toward your jaw reconstructive surgery is setting up a consultation with a surgeon. During your consultation, your doctor will gather information about your medical history and ask you questions about your goals in pursuing reconstructive surgery. He or she will determine whether or not you are a candidate for surgery and which procedure will work best for your situation and produce the best results.

The only way to know for certain if you are a candidate for reconstructive surgery is to meet with a qualified surgeon.

The goal of reconstructive surgery is to improve your appearance, your ability to accomplish everyday tasks, your sense of well-being and your life. We encourage you to take this important step by searching for a local doctor today.

Am I a Candidate for Jaw Reconstructive Surgery?

Only your surgeon can determine for sure whether or not you are a candidate for jaw reconstructive surgery. If left untreated, jaw irregularities can lead to trouble eating, difficulty breathing, problems with speech, chronic pain, problems with oral health and other issues.

You may be a candidate for jaw reconstructive surgery if you have a jaw deformity or jaw bone loss, such as:

• Misalignment of the jaws (overbite or underbite)
• Underdeveloped jaw
• Cleft lips or palates
• Bone loss due to aging
• Bone loss due to fractures of the jaw
• Bone loss due to the removal of tumors from the jaw
• Birth defects and facial deformities
• Facial injury

To determine candidacy, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the jaw. Your doctor will be able to discuss the treatment options available to you, including jaw reconstructive surgery.

Jaw Reconstructive Surgery Risks

As with any surgical procedure, jaw reconstructive surgery is not without risk. However, serious complications resulting from jaw reconstructive surgery are not common.

Risks of jaw reconstructive surgery include:

• Risks of anesthesia, including allergic reactions
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve damage to the face
• Temporary or permanent numbness in the face

Before Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

Your pre-surgery treatment plan may involve wearing orthodontics, or braces, for a specific time period. This will ensure that your teeth are prepared for the realignment of your jaw. Braces may also be required after your surgery.

Before your procedure, you should discuss with your doctor any drugs you take, including non-prescription drugs and supplements. It’s important that you are honest and upfront about your drug use, smoking habits and use of alcohol, as these substances may affect your recovery.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding which medications you should stop temporarily and which you may continue taking. If you take maintenance drugs for a medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you should discuss these medications and your upcoming surgery with the doctor who treats these conditions.

Your doctor will direct you to refrain from eating for a specified number of hours before your surgery and will give you further instructions to follow to prepare for your jaw reconstructive surgery. It’s normal to be nervous before surgery. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and be sure to ask him or her any questions you may have.

Before your surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation and tests will be run to reduce the risk of complication during surgery. X-rays will be taken of your jaw bones and teeth.

After Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

Jaw reconstructive surgery may require a hospital stay. The length of the stay depends on the type of procedure you are receiving. It’s possible that your stay may only be a couple of days; however, you may need to stay as long as a week so your surgeon can monitor your progress closely. Your doctor will give you instructions to follow when you return home, such as how to take care of your incisions. You must carefully follow these instructions.

It’s normal to feel pain or discomfort after your jaw reconstructive surgery. Your doctor will let you know which over-the-counter medications to take to effectively treat your post-surgery pain. He or she may also prescribe a stronger pain medication if necessary.

Some pain and swelling may be normal. However, you should call your doctor if you experience abnormal symptoms, excessive bleeding or any damage or injury to your face. Discuss with your doctor which symptoms are normal and to be expected and which are unusual and require medical attention.

After your surgery, you will need to eat a modified diet for a period of time, starting with a liquid-only diet and eventually moving to pureed foods and soft foods before returning to your normal eating habits.

A modified diet is absolutely necessary for a full recovery and to avoid infection and other problems. You must carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your diet.

Your doctor will explain how long you must refrain from certain activities, such as strenuous exercise and smoking.

You may be required to wear braces or retainers after surgery for up to several years. Your doctor will discuss the use of orthodontics with you prior to your surgery, if this is necessary for your procedure.

Results of Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

Jaw reconstructive surgery can greatly improve the function and structure of the jaw, can correct medical problems and may also improve appearance. Many procedures can be performed with reliable results. However, you must discuss with your doctor what results to expect.