Our Summary

This study looked at whether moving the upper jawbone during surgery might affect hearing. The researchers looked at 20 patients who had surgery to change the position of their upper jawbone. They found that the direction of the movement didn’t really matter - whether the bone was moved up, down, back, or forth, it didn’t significantly change their hearing. Some patients did have minor changes in their hearing during the first week after surgery, but these either went away or were so small they didn’t matter.

FAQs

  1. Does moving the upper jawbone during surgery affect hearing?
  2. Does the direction of the jawbone movement during surgery have any impact on hearing?
  3. Do all patients experience changes in their hearing after jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. This may include sticking to a soft diet, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise. Remember to be patient with the healing process and give your body the time it needs to recover fully.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the jaws)
  2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  3. Facial trauma or deformities
  4. Sleep apnea
  5. Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  6. Chronic jaw pain
  7. Congenital conditions affecting the jaw
  8. Aesthetic concerns related to the jawline

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for jaw surgery and determine the treatment plan.
  2. Pre-surgical preparations, which may include dental x-rays, impressions, and other tests to assess the condition of the jaw and teeth.
  3. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare them for surgery.
  4. Discussion of the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes with the surgeon.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in the hospital or surgical center, with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  2. Recovery period at home, with instructions on how to care for the surgical site, manage pain, and avoid complications.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
  4. Resumption of normal activities, including a gradual return to a normal diet and oral hygiene routine.
  5. Post-surgical orthodontic treatment to further align the teeth and ensure proper bite alignment.
  6. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the results of the surgery and address any potential complications or issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery do you recommend for me and why?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the post-operative period?

  4. Will jaw surgery affect my ability to speak, eat, or breathe normally?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to jaw surgery that I should consider?

  6. How will jaw surgery impact my overall facial appearance and symmetry?

  7. Will I need to follow any special dietary restrictions or oral care routines after surgery?

  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects?

  9. How many jaw surgeries have you performed in the past and what is your success rate?

  10. How long do the results of jaw surgery typically last and will I need any follow-up procedures in the future?

Reference

Authors: Sakamoto Y, Wakabayashi K, Ishii T, Kishi K. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Oct 1;34(7):e694-e696. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009609. Epub 2023 Aug 17. PMID: 37589962