Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery) | SEAFORTH ORAL SURGERY,  Montreal  

This type of jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, aims to improve the positioning of your jaws, when they fail to line up correctly (this is done using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging tools.) As your jaws are surgically shifted into their new and improved positioning, to correct your jaw problems, your orthodontist will collaborate with one of our Montreal-based maxillofacial surgeons to align and level your teeth.

Individuals who have bite problems and jaw misalignments will benefit the most from orthognathic surgery. Bite and jaw misalignments can cause a host of complications, including trouble with speaking, eating and even low self-esteem. Other possible issues that should be evaluated by an oral surgeon include:

• TMJ pain / Jaw and neck pain
• Facial imbalances
• Open or underbites
• Breathing complications
• Gummy smile, which occurs when there is disproportionate exposure of the gums when smiling.

Such issues can occur from birth or from environmental sources, such as an injury. Your oral surgeon will examine your mouth and facial area to create a treatment plan that is best for you. This involves the use of comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging to illustrate how your bite will look like after surgery. This will also allow you to understand the treatment process better.

Planning for your corrective jaw surgery

Your surgeon will work together with your orthodontist to determine the best position for your teeth and jaw. Aspects include:

• Your orthodontist will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and how braces will move them in relation to the position of your jaw after the oral surgery.
• The horizontal and vertical proportions of your face will be methodically analyzed. Planning for coinciding positioning of teeth and jaw bones is essential and helps to ensure your teeth stay healthy whilst also ensuring that facial features remain harmonious.
• You will be fitted with braces, which you will have to wear for 6 to 18 months. The duration will depend on how long it takes to properly shift your teeth into their ideal positioning, before the jaw surgery.
• Your oral surgeon will determine the best way to align your jaw to improve its functionality. Your medical history and prior surgeries will be reviewed to understand how your condition arose. You should mention any intentions to undergo future dental surgeries to your surgeon. A full examination of your nose, head, neck, eyes, mouth, shoulders, temporomandibular Joint (jaw point) will be performed. X-rays or photographs may also be taken.
• Using 3-D Models and cutting edge computer-assisted planning tools to outline your procedure and give you a preview of your projected final outcome.

Preparing for your oral surgery

• Most of our past patients required that their wisdom teeth be extracted, preferably so at 6-12 months before their jaw surgery – This is to prevent future complications, brought on by newly-erupting wisdom teeth.
• Your Montreal-based oral surgeon will monitor your progress and will begin planning for your oral surgical procedure starting at approximately 6 months before your scheduled surgery date.
• Your surgeon may carry out one or several “simulated” surgeries on casts of your mouth to prepare for your procedure.
• Your surgeon will review the exact nature of your procedure, and possible side effects, risks and benefits of your surgery.

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How jaw surgery is performed 

Jaw surgery is carried out in a hospital setting. You will be provided with general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain. Your surgeon will use specialized instruments to make bony cuts into your jaw – almost exclusively inside your mouth – which will allow your jaw to be moved in the necessary direction, without causing visible scarring. This involves moving your upper or lower jaw forward or backward; however, the upper jaw may also need to be adjusted width-wise.

If a patient has excessive gum exposure, underlying bone may be removed so as to allow the oral surgeon to reposition the jaw upward. Once the jaw is positioned properly, the upper and lower jaws are temporarily wired shut, while the bony cuts are repaired using miniscule bone plates and screws. Modern dental techniques mean patients no longer have to have their jaws wired shut for 4-6 weeks, as was once customary upon the completion of such oral-surgeries. Incisions are then also carefully sutured. They are apt to healing quickly and have the added benefit of being concealed inside the patient’s mouth.

 Potential complications, resulting from jaw surgery, will be discussed during a one-on-one conversation with our oral surgeons – during which we emphasize the importance of having a spouse or the patient’s parents present. During this exchange, Dr. Chehade, Dr. Shenouda and Dr. Bonin Will describe the potential risks, complications and the benefits of going through with your corrective jaw surgery. 

Recovery Period –Jaw Surgery | Seaforth Oral Surgery – Montreal

When you wake up from surgery, you may feel groggy and experience some swelling and bruising in your facial area. Your mouth may feel numb and your bite may not feel the same. This is normal and to be expected; however, the effects are temporary. You will be given pain medication to minimize discomfort. It’s essential you maintain good oral hygiene to keep the treated areas clean and free from infection.

As soon as you get home you should:

•        Rinse your mouth using warm saltwater (1 teaspoon with 1 glass of water).
•        Gently clean your teeth with a small tooth brush, in order to remove food debris
•        Rinse with salt water again. You may add mouthwash to the salt water mix 2 weeks after your surgery.
•        A “Water Pik”may be used to develop your oral hygiene

Also be sure to:

•        Walk around somewhat frequently to promote circulation
•        Drink plenty of liquids
•        Eat a non-chew diet, which includes eating soft foods, prepared in a blender
•        Your oral surgeon may also recommend physical therapy to help you learn facial exercises that will promote jaw movement and quicken your recovery time
•        Expect to miss school or work for approximately 2 weeks following surgery.
•        You should be able to resume your normal activities within 2 months of your surgery.

Your surgeon will give you detailed care instructions for your mouth. Follow up appointments with your surgeon and orthodontists will be necessary to ensure your mouth is healing properly. In fact, the entire process can take 2 or more years, so you must consider all aspects before deciding whether or not jaw surgery is right for you.

If you have any questions please contact Seaforth Oral Surgery today.

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