Single jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure in which the upper or lower jaw is repositioned to correct misalignment or irregularities. It is often performed to correct functional problems such as difficulty with chewing or speaking, as well as to improve facial aesthetics.
A good candidate for single jaw surgery is someone who has a misaligned jaw that affects their bite, speech, or overall facial appearance. Other factors that may be considered include age, overall health, and the severity of the jaw misalignment. In some cases, braces or other orthodontic treatments may be used prior to surgery to align the teeth and improve the final outcome of the surgery.
Here are the general steps involved in the procedure:
- Orthodontic preparation: Before the surgery, the patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare them for the repositioning of the jaw.
- Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious and does not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Incision: Incisions are made inside the mouth to access the jawbone.
- Repositioning of the jaw: The jawbone is repositioned into the desired position using specialized instruments.
- Fixation: Once the jaw is in the correct position, screws, plates, or wires are used to fix the jawbone in place.
- Closing the incision: The incision is then closed with sutures, and the patient is taken to the recovery room.
- Recovery: After the surgery, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure that there are no complications. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage any discomfort, and the patient may be instructed to follow a special diet and avoid certain activities for several weeks while the jaw heals.
It's important to note that the specifics of the procedure may vary depending on the individual case, the procedure will be tailored to the patient's specific needs.