Corrective Jaw Surgery in Pittsburgh PA
Corrective Jaw Surgery in Pittsburgh PA
Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.
WHAT IS CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?
When a person’s jaws do not align properly or their teeth cannot bite together correctly, corrective jaw surgery may be needed. This procedure involves surgically moving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve oral and overall health. The surgery is performed in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia by specially trained Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. This treatment involves coordination between an oral surgeon and an orthodontist. Jaw surgery can correct various skeletal and dental irregularities that cannot be treated with orthodontics alone, resulting in improved chewing, speaking, and breathing.
WHEN DO YOU NEED CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?
Your orthodontist may recommend jaw surgery in order to improve your orthodontic result. Some of the other reasons a jaw surgery consultation may be recommended include:
- Speech or breathing problems
- Chewing, biting, or swallowing issues
- Chronic jaw pain
- Protruding jaw
- Open bite
- Receding chin
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive tooth wear
FIX YOUR JAW WITH CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
If you are looking to have jaw surgery, our team at Kail and Moore oral surgery will help you take the proper steps to get you, feeling like you, again.
Mount Lebanon Jaw Surgery
Robinson Jaw Surgery
If a patient’s upper and lower jaws and teeth lack proper alignment or there is insufficient space for the teeth, corrective jaw surgery often becomes the recommended solution. Orthognathic surgery, addressing misaligned jaws, is performed on the jawbone to enhance both function and facial aesthetics. Post-surgery, many patients require orthodontic care to reposition the teeth, resulting in improved function and a more balanced facial appearance.
For specific jaw corrections, various procedures are employed:
Maxillary Osteotomy:
- Correction of open bite, crossbite, or a receding jawline.
- An incision is made in the upper jaw, and small sections are precisely moved into alignment.
- Stabilization is achieved using plates and screws.
Mandibular Osteotomy:
- Common for protruding or receding lower jawbone.
- An incision is made behind the teeth, and the jawbone is shifted and secured with titanium screws and plates.
Genioplasty:
- Corrective chin surgery often performed with mandibular osteotomy.
- Involves cutting and repositioning the chin bone, addressing issues like a receding or prominent chin.
Jaw Surgery for TMJ:
- Reserved for severe temporomandibular joint disorder cases after other treatments fail.
- Drs. Kail and Moore undertake this surgery when the jaw cannot open or close without assistance.
Acknowledging the complexity of jaw surgery and its demanding recovery, the oral surgeon collaborates closely with dentists, orthodontists, and specialists. This ensures seamless integration with ongoing or future treatments, emphasizing patient well-being throughout the process.
If you are experiencing pain, you should meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to consider wisdom teeth removal to avoid further complications.
Typically, the younger you are when getting wisdom teeth surgery, the less pain you will experience.
Pain free DOES NOT equal disease or problem free! Speak with your dentist if you ahve not had your wisdom teeth removed.
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, may be recommended when encountering various conditions that impede optimal oral function and facial aesthetics. This procedure addresses concerns such as:
Enhancing Chewing Function: Jaw surgery can make biting and chewing easier, improving overall chewing efficiency.
Swallowing and Speech Correction: It proves beneficial in correcting issues related to swallowing and speech, contributing to improved oral communication.
Preventing Tooth Wear: The surgery minimizes excessive wear and breakdown of teeth, ensuring dental longevity.
Addressing Bite and Jaw Closure Problems: Conditions like an open bite, where molars touch but front teeth don’t, are corrected, promoting a balanced bite and jaw closure.
Correcting Facial Imbalance: Jaw surgery is effective in addressing facial asymmetry, including concerns such as small chins, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
Optimizing Lip Closure: It enhances the ability of the lips to fully and comfortably close, contributing to facial harmony.
Alleviating Pain: Corrective jaw surgery provides relief from pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other jaw-related discomforts.
Addressing Sleep Apnea: For those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, jaw surgery can offer relief by addressing contributing factors.
Facial Injury and Birth Defects: Additionally, the procedure is indicated for the repair of facial injuries or addressing congenital birth defects.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY PROCEDURE
Prospective patients often inquire about potential discomfort associated with corrective jaw surgery, the duration of the procedure, and whether jaw surgery causes pain.
Typically, corrective jaw surgery is performed intraorally, minimizing visible facial scars on the chin, jaw, or around the mouth. However, in some instances, small incisions outside the mouth may be necessary.
The surgical process involves precise cuts in the jawbones, repositioning them for optimal alignment. Following jaw movement, the surgeon may employ tiny bone plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands to secure the bones in their new position. These screws, smaller than braces brackets, integrate into the bone structure over time.
In certain cases, additional bone may be required. Surgeons may transfer bone from the hip, leg, or rib, securing it with plates and screws. Alternatively, bone reshaping may occur for a better fit.
Corrective jaw surgery may encompass the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or a combination of these areas. As patients explore the potential of corrective jaw surgery, it’s crucial to address concerns about pain, the duration of the procedure, and the recovery process. Consulting with a qualified oral surgeon can provide personalized insights and alleviate any apprehensions about the surgical experience.
Your Initial Examination
During the initial consultation, our experienced surgeons will review your medical history, conduct a thorough exam, and review x-rays. Using three-dimensional models and the latest computer imaging software, we can demonstrate the proposed surgical treatments for a better understanding of the process.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
Our surgeons will determine the most beneficial corrective surgical procedure for you. A comprehensive care team, including a restorative dentist, an orthodontist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, will work together to ensure the best treatment plan and outcome for your specific needs. Drs. Kail and Moore prioritize communication and collaboration and will ensure you are well informed about the procedure, expected outcomes, and the surgery timeline.
How do you prepare for jaw surgery? Our pre-operation checklist will help to reduce pain and discomfort from the surgery.
Did you have corrective jaw surgery in Pittsburgh? Our post-operation checklist will help mitigate any potential problems and reduce discomfort.
Are you in pain from a recent jaw surgery procedure? Our team has prepared a list of commonly asked questions to help jaw surgery recovery.
Take the First Step for Corrective Jaw Surgery in Pittsburgh
Our team is dedicated to providing quality oral surgery procedures for those living in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. If you want to schedule a procedure, understand the cost, or have any other questions, please contact our teams located in Mount Lebanon or Robinson and a representative will take care of all your needs.
JAW SURGERY RECOVERY
Since each patient’s treatment plan and surgery are unique, the healing process will vary. Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days post-surgery for close monitoring and care. After leaving the hospital, the healing process continues at home. Most patients do not return to work or school for 1-2 weeks, but this can vary based on age, procedure, and individual circumstances.
Diet: Patients will need to follow a soft, non-chew, predominantly liquid diet for several weeks after surgery. Common foods include soup, smoothies, ice cream, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and protein shakes. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like raw vegetables, raw apples, chips, crackers, peanuts, toast, bagels, and steak.
Once fully recovered, your teeth will fit together correctly, and your jaw will be in a healthier, more balanced, and functional position. You can then resume all normal activities and a regular diet without restrictions.
A detailed recovery plan outlining recommendations, expectations, and restrictions will be provided before and after surgery, ensuring you feel confident throughout the process. Drs. Kail and Moore are committed to making your jaw surgery as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.
WHY CHOOSE KAIL AND MOORE FOR CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY IN PITTSBURGH
Our team is dedicated to providing you with quality service and comforting care from the first phone call till your last check-up. Both Dr. Kail and Moore serve as adjunct clinical professors at the University of Pittsburgh and are on staff at UPMC hospitals; they are dedicated to staying on-top-of advancing education in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery. With over +20 years of combined practicing experience, Kail and Moore aim to provide the city of Pittsburgh top corrective jaw surgery solutions, service, and care.
