What is jaw or orthognathic surgery?

Overview

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure carried out to fix jaws through surgery because it is not possible to mend teeth without first fixing the jaws. Jaw surgery is performed for under-bite because improper jaw position can be a critical factor in upper-and under-bites. Jaw realignment surgery helps in improving misaligned teeth, which can cause cracking and chipping of teeth. Jaw surgeries are performed to mend a number of jaws and face-related deformities. A deformed jaw can cause one difficulty in chewing and breathing problems. Orthognathic surgery means straight jaw surgery. There are various medical reasons of performing jaw surgery as mentioned afore. This reconstructive jaw surgery helps in improving the facial structure and enhances the beauty.

Pre-surgery preparations

Orthodontist evaluates various things regarding jaw surgery, for example, where your teeth are repositioned to make jaws fit together properly. Before carrying out any surgical procedure, a 1 and ½ years pre-surgical period has to be spent. Braces have to be worn for adjusting teeth in their proper position. It facilitates to shift teeth in their future position. Sometimes, it is a must to remove tooth for creating room for the repositioning of other teeth.

Procedure

Jaw surgery procedure just takes about 1 to 3 hours in completion after the pre-surgical period. Jaw surgery is carried out under general anesthesia in hospitals. In the case of lower jaw surgery, the rear part of the bone is separated and positioned backward or forward as required. For orthodontic upper jaw surgery, the jaw is raised or lowered or moved backward or forward. In some cases of jaw surgery, jaw is separated into many parts. Even sometimes, the addition or removal of jaw bone is needed. No external scarring occurs as incisions are made inside the mouth. Tiny plates and screws are used to join the bones together. You have to be hospitalized for one night. The next day, you are permitted to leave the hospital.

Cost

The cost of jaw surgery depends on the various procedures involved in it. The braces and retainers can cost from about $2000 to $5000. The cost of Brooklyn Jaw Surgery can, in general, range from about $20000 to $30000. So whether you want to get Staten Island jaw surgery and corrective jaw surgery NYC is also almost the same. The cost can be covered in insurance if it poses health problems. Only few insurance companies offer it.

Post-surgery effects

There can be swelling and bruising after the surgery. Minor pain can be felt. Due to the numbing of the specific area of jaws for about 2 days, patients generally do not report severe pain. The use of ice packs and medication is recommended to control it. However, there can be minor bleeding. The patient can speak, eat or drink normally. You have to take a blended diet for about 2 weeks. Then, you are advised to take soft foods. After 6 months, you are enabled to take normal food. There are some liquid recipes, which are advised after jaw surgery. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to resume physical activity.