Our Summary

This research paper looks at how having other health conditions may affect the outcomes of orthognathic surgery, which is surgery to correct conditions that affect the jaw and face. The researchers looked at a wide range of existing studies on this topic, but only found seven that met their criteria for inclusion. Their analysis of these studies suggests that having rheumatic diseases or neuromuscular disorders makes it more likely that a patient will experience complications after orthognathic surgery. However, the authors caution that there isn’t enough evidence to be sure of this, and more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery?
  2. How can other health conditions affect the outcomes of orthognathic surgery?
  3. What further research is needed in the study of orthognathic surgery outcomes?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include things like avoiding certain medications, following a special diet, and practicing good oral hygiene. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure a successful surgery and faster recovery.

Suitable For

In general, patients who may be recommended for jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
  2. Facial skeletal deformities such as an underbite or overbite
  3. Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  5. Obstructive sleep apnea
  6. Facial trauma or injury
  7. Craniofacial anomalies

It is important for patients considering jaw surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of healthcare professionals, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and other specialists, to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Jaw Surgery:

  • Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for jaw surgery
  • Pre-surgical evaluations, including imaging tests, dental assessments, and medical history review
  • Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery
  • Pre-surgery counseling and education on what to expect during and after surgery

During Jaw Surgery:

  • Anesthesia is administered before the surgery begins
  • Surgeon makes incisions in the jawbone to reposition it
  • Bone grafts or other materials may be used to stabilize the jaw
  • Jaw is secured in its new position with plates, screws, or wires
  • Surgery typically takes several hours to complete

After Jaw Surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in a recovery room and is monitored for any complications
  • Pain medication is prescribed to manage post-operative discomfort
  • Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the days following surgery
  • Soft diet is recommended to allow the jaw to heal properly
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

Long-term Effects:

  • Jaw may take several weeks to months to fully heal and adapt to its new position
  • Orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth
  • Patients may experience improvements in breathing, chewing, and overall facial aesthetics
  • Regular dental check-ups and maintenance are important to ensure long-term success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific health conditions do I have that may impact the success of jaw surgery?
  2. How might my rheumatic disease or neuromuscular disorder affect the outcome of the surgery?
  3. Are there any additional risks or complications I should be aware of due to my health conditions?
  4. How will my current medications or treatments for my health conditions interact with the jaw surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options that may be more suitable for my specific health situation?
  6. What additional precautions or measures will be taken during the surgery to account for my health conditions?
  7. How will my recovery process be different compared to someone without these health conditions?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or follow-up care that I should consider after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Li J, Ver Berne J, Shujaat S, Shaheen E, Politis C, Jacobs R. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Nov;123(6):e956-e961. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2022.06.018. Epub 2022 Jun 24. PMID: 35760309