What You Need To Know About Upper Jaw Surgery
You probably do not think too much about your jaw unless there is a problem. If you suffer from jaw pain or health issues relating to your jawbone, to deterioration, to periodontal disease, or to bite issues that have not been solved with more conservative methods, your doctor may recommend upper jaw surgery.
At Park City Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Park City, UT, Dr. Lifferth offers comprehensive oral and dental surgery to finally eliminate your pain, correct your bite, correct deformities, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Lifferth is a board-certified surgeon who uses the most advanced technology in-office, including a 3-D imaging system, to achieve optimal results. Patients can undergo treatment at our private, state-of-the-art surgical facility.
What Can Upper Jaw Surgery Correct?
Jaw or orthognathic surgery is performed to correct irregularities that get in the way of jaw function. Upper jaw surgery focuses on those problems that affect the top of your mouth, including:
- Receding or protruding upper jaw
- Crossbite problems
- Open bite (mouth will not close)
- Too much or too little of the teeth showing
- Reduced facial growth in the middle of the face
Anything that causes the teeth to meet incorrectly will result in a number of problems. Upper jaw surgery can lengthen, shorten, or move the bone to restore your bite, align your teeth, and restore your ability to eat, speak, and swallow.
Candidates for Upper Jaw Surgery
Upper jaw surgery should be considered if you have issues that have not been solved through other methods, like orthodontics. In some cases, the problem is related to how the jawbone developed. Jaw growth begins at birth and does not stop until you reach full maturity. If the upper and lower jaws do not match at the end of that process, it can lead to a host of problems. You may also be a candidate if you experienced an injury or trauma that led to irregular jaw growth.
Damage to your upper jaw often results in long-term problems with your bite.
Treatment Timeline
Jaw surgery is broken down into several steps over a long period of time. In some cases, you will need to wear braces for up to 18 months in order to align your teeth as much as possible so that only a minimum amount of surgery is needed. During that time, there are a number of steps that must take place.
One Year before Surgery
X-rays will be taken of your jaw at least a year prior to surgery. Based on the results of this examination, your oral surgeon can sit down with you to draw up a treatment plan that addresses your unique health issues.
Six Months to One Year before Surgery:
Braces are usually placed and worn for six to 18 months before surgery and three to six months afterward.
Three to Four Weeks before Surgery:
You will go in for a CT scan to ensure the surgeon has the most up-to-date and accurate image of your mouth and jaws after your orthodontic treatment. The surgeon will also place arresting or static wires on your braces at this time to keep your teeth from moving any further before surgery.
One to Two Weeks before Surgery:
The surgeon will take plaster molds of your oral cavity, as well as another CT scan. If needed, hooks will be placed on the brackets of your braces
The surgery itself typically takes between two to three hours, depending on how complex the procedure is.
Contact Park City Oral Surgery Today
Park City Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center offers high-quality, friendly service in a gentle, caring atmosphere. Dr. Lifferth and his team provide diagnosis and treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the mouth, including injuries, TMJ disorder, cysts, tumors, deformities, and defects related to the teeth, jaws, mouth, and face. Go online today to make an appointment for a consultation or call (435) 222-0450.