Orthognathic surgery or jaw surgery is an action to correct the abnormal position of the jaw and teeth. This operation is often done as part of plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the face.
In general, jaw surgery is done by cutting the jawbone and turning it into the correct position. Then, a special instrument will be installed to keep the jawbone in position.
New jaw surgery can be done after the jaw grows completely, that is, after the age of 14 years in women and after 17 years in men.
Objectives and indications of jaw surgery
Aside from aesthetic reasons, jaw surgery is actually performed by a plastic surgeon or oral surgeon to treat the following conditions:
- Broken teeth.
- Problems in biting, chewing, and talking
- Difficulty breathing and snoring due to sleep apnea.
- Pain due to interference with the jaw joint.
- Birth injuries or abnormalities on the face.
- A mouth that can't close properly.
- The shape of the face is not symmetrical, such as a small chin, upper teeth are not aligned with the lower teeth or vice versa, and teeth that protrudes inward.
Warning Before Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is not recommended for someone whose jaws are still growing, which is under 17 years old for men and under 14 years for women.
Tell your doctor if you have a blood clotting disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication before surgery, because jaw surgery can cause bleeding.
In addition, first consult with the surgeon, especially regarding the following matters:
- Medical conditions suffered, especially if there is interference with the eye.
- Medications that are being consumed, including supplements and herbal medicines.
- Having the habit of smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse.
- Surgery ever done before.
Before performing the surgery, the doctor will explain the success rate of jaw surgery and the complications that may occur, including the possible position of the jaw back as before surgery.
Preparation Before Jaw Surgery
Before the jaw surgery, the doctor will take X-rays on the area of the teeth and jaw to see the shape of the teeth and jaw to be operated on. Furthermore, orthodontist specialists can place braces on the patient about 12-18 months before surgery.
This braces cannot improve the patient's jaw shape but only aims to straighten the teeth before the operation.
Jaw Surgery Procedures and Actions
During the procedure in the operating room, the patient will not feel anything because he was given general anesthesia. After the anesthesia works and the patient sleeps, the doctor will make an incision in the mouth of the upper jaw and lower jaw. The following is the process of jaw surgery to be performed:
- The incision in the mouth can be done vertically or horizontally, depending on which jaw will be operated on.
- The plastic surgeon or oral surgeon will cut the jaw or shift the jaw to improve the shape or position of the jaw.
- After the jaw is in the right position, the doctor can use a special tool (pen) so that the position of the jaw does not change again.
- In some cases, the doctor can take a small amount of bone from the pelvis, leg, or rib, then transplant it to the jawbone.
Surgical incisions will not leave scars on the face because they are made inside the mouth. However, sometimes a small incision needs to be made on the outside of the mouth.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
The duration of recovery after surgery varies, depending on the patient's age and health condition. However, generally the recovery period can take up to 2-3 months after surgery. The following are things that happened during the recovery period, the following actions are necessary and should not be done:
Recovery period of jaw surgery in hospital
After the operation is completed and the effects of the anesthesia disappear, the patient will regain consciousness. The patient will feel drowsiness, pain, and tingling around the mouth and face. This tingling sensation is felt by the patient as a side effect of the anesthetic to protect nerves around the jaw during surgery. The jaw in the area of operation will also experience swelling.
Patients who undergo jaw surgery at least need to be hospitalized in the hospital for three days to one week after the operation. During the stay, the doctor will carry out routine control to monitor the patient's condition.
Recovery period of jaw surgery after returning home
After returning from the hospital, patients are asked to pay more attention to oral and dental hygiene, and to eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow. The doctor will also give pain relievers, and ask patients not to smoke and do strenuous activities for at least 3 months after surgery.
The recovery period after jaw surgery varies, depending on the patient's condition. Patients who undergo jaw surgery will generally be able to undergo normal activities about one month after surgery. However, patients need to undergo routine control with a doctor for at least 6 months after surgery.
After surgery, dental braces and retainers will continue to be used for several years to perfect the shape of the jaw and keep the jaw's position unchanged.
Complications and Side Effects of Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery tends to be safe and not cause complications. However, in some cases, patients need to undergo further surgery or treatment of affected tooth roots. In addition, patients can also experience the following risks after jaw surgery:
- Bleeding
- Surgical wound infection
- Swelling
- Nerve injury
- Cracked jaw
- The jaw returns to its original position
- Pain in the jaw joint
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