Our Summary

This research paper focuses on the issues that can arise in jaw surgery, often due to poor planning and communication between the surgeon and orthodontist before the procedure. The authors suggest that it’s crucial for the surgeon, orthodontist, and patient to agree on the overall treatment plans, including what kind of surgical and orthodontic procedures will be used, before starting any actual treatment. This includes things like moving teeth around or any surgical steps. The authors also stress the importance of continuously checking the patient’s progress throughout the treatment and keeping good communication between the surgeon and orthodontist. This can help avoid common mistakes like not properly preparing the teeth for surgery, using the wrong appliances or not managing them correctly, and sometimes using orthodontic techniques or moving teeth in ways that aren’t suitable.

FAQs

  1. What can cause complications in orthognathic surgery?
  2. How can unfavorable outcomes in orthognathic surgery be avoided?
  3. What steps should be taken for continuous evaluation of a patient’s progress after orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow all preoperative instructions carefully, including any dietary restrictions and medication guidelines. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have before, during, and after the surgery. Additionally, be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to any postoperative care recommendations to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusions, facial asymmetry, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other conditions that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. These patients may experience difficulty chewing, breathing, speaking, and have aesthetic concerns that can be addressed through orthognathic surgery. Additionally, patients with cleft lip and palate, congenital facial abnormalities, or traumatic injuries to the jaw may also benefit from jaw surgery to improve their overall oral health and quality of life.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist to discuss treatment options and goals.
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Comprehensive evaluation of facial aesthetics and function to determine the need for surgery.
  4. Development of a treatment plan including surgical and orthodontic components.
  5. Preoperative imaging and planning to guide the surgical procedure.
  6. Consent and preparation for surgery, including discussing risks and potential complications.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Immediate postoperative care in the hospital or surgical center.
  2. Recovery period with pain management and monitoring for complications.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities, including adjusting diet and oral hygiene practices.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Orthodontic adjustments to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  6. Long-term maintenance of results through regular dental check-ups and orthodontic care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care process for jaw surgery?

  3. How will my bite and facial appearance be improved after the surgery?

  4. Will I need to wear braces before or after the surgery, and for how long?

  5. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?

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

  7. How many jaw surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  8. Will I need to undergo any additional dental procedures before or after the surgery?

  9. How long will the results of the surgery last, and will I need any follow-up procedures in the future?

  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?

Reference

Authors: Klein KP, Kaban LB, Masoud MI. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Feb;32(1):71-82. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2019.08.008. PMID: 31744601