Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, can correct many dental and skeletal conditions. The results of jaw surgery are life-changing and can drastically improve the function of your jaws as well as enhance your facial aesthetics. If you have bite problems, TMJ pain, or jaw misalignment that makes it difficult to eat, speak, or breathe, contact Lubbock Dental Specialists today to see how orthognathic surgery can improve your oral health. Dr. Graves and Dr. Wilkinson are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who understand the complexities of the jaws and face, and performing reconstructive jaw surgery is one of our many specialties. 

When Is Orthognathic Surgery Necessary?

The jaws develop gradually and sometimes, the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates. This can lead to difficulties speaking and chewing, and may contribute to long-term oral health complications and facial imbalance if the misalignment is left untreated. The jaws could also become misaligned following an injury or as a result of a birth defect. 

When the teeth are misaligned, orthodontics alone can properly align them and correct bite problems. However, when the jaws are not in their correct position, surgery may be required. If you or your child experience any of the following, you may benefit from orthognathic surgery: 

• Chronic jaw pain 
• Jaw joint pain or a TMJ disorder
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing 
• Speech problems
• Breathing problems 
• Obstructive sleep apnea 
• Broken or misaligned jaws as a result of facial trauma
• Receding or protruding chin

Undergoing corrective jaw surgery will drastically improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably and confidently. Surgically aligning the jaws will also improve facial aesthetics by creating more harmony between the facial features. To see if jaw surgery is right for you or your child, contact Lubbock Dental Specialists today and schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. 

Jaw Surgery Procedure

The jaw surgery procedure involves surgically repositioning the jaws. Before undergoing surgery, you will meet with Dr. Graves or Dr. Wilkinson to discuss your oral health and determine if jaw surgery is right for you. We will take 3D scans of your mouth and face using our state-of-the-art imaging technology. Using these images, your surgeon will create your custom treatment plan and map out the details of your procedure. Jaw surgery is performed using general anesthesia. You will be unconscious during the procedure and will not feel any pain. 

Jaw surgery may be performed on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, depending on your situation. First, your orthodontist will use braces to reposition your teeth, which can take several months. When you undergo jaw surgery, you will still be wearing your braces. 

On the day of your surgical procedure, we will administer general anesthesia and once it takes effect, the procedure will begin. Your oral surgeon will make incisions to access the jaws. Incisions are made inside of the mouth whenever possible to reduce visible scarring. Your surgeon will reposition the jaw bone and secure it in its new position using screws, wires, or plates. The incisions are closed and you will wake up when your surgery is complete with no memory of the procedure. 

Your orthodontist will adjust your braces to align your teeth with the new position of your jaws. The duration of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on other issues that you are looking to correct. In general, many patients wear braces for around one year after jaw surgery. 

You can expect swelling to last for several weeks following your procedure, and residual swelling may last for several months. It will be important to remain patient during your recovery and remember that this treatment contributes to your long-term oral health and the final results will significantly improve eating, breathing, and speaking abilities. If you have questions at any time, contact Lubbock Dental Specialists and we will be happy to assist you.

Jaw Surgery at Lubbock Dental Specialists

Dr. Graves and Dr. Wilkinson offer orthognathic surgery in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Plainview, TX, to achieve life-changing outcomes and improve our patients’ health and comfort. To find out if jaw surgery is right for you or your child, contact Lubbock Dental Specialists today to schedule a consultation.