Our Summary

This study looked at the reasons why some patients need to have jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) done again (or redone). The investigators looked at the medical records of 32 patients who had their jaw surgery redone between January 2018 and April 2020. The main reasons these patients needed their surgery redone include dissatisfaction with how their face looked, asymmetry, their original problem coming back, misalignment of their teeth, sleep apnea, and a long face. The researchers found that redoing the jaw surgery improved the look and function of most patients’ jaws. However, they noted that redo surgery is challenging and it’s important for the surgeon to understand the patient’s main issues and create a surgery plan that will meet the patient’s needs.

FAQs

  1. What are the common reasons for needing to redo jaw surgery?
  2. Does redoing jaw surgery typically improve the look and function of the patient’s jaw?
  3. What are the challenges involved in redoing jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including proper oral hygiene, dietary restrictions, and physical activity limitations. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns that may arise. Additionally, patients should communicate openly with their surgeon about any dissatisfaction or issues they may have with the results of the surgery to ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth)
  2. Facial asymmetry
  3. Jaw deformities (such as an overbite or underbite)
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  5. Sleep apnea
  6. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw misalignment
  7. Chronic jaw pain
  8. Birth defects affecting the jaw
  9. Injury or trauma to the jaw
  10. Aesthetic concerns related to the appearance of the jaw and face.

Overall, jaw surgery is recommended for patients who have functional or aesthetic concerns related to their jaw and facial structure that cannot be corrected through other treatments such as orthodontics or physical therapy.

Timeline

  • Initial consultation: A patient will typically have a consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine if they are a candidate for jaw surgery. This may involve discussing the reasons for surgery, potential risks and benefits, and expected outcomes.

  • Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment: Before surgery, a patient may need to undergo orthodontic treatment to align their teeth and prepare them for the surgical procedure. This can involve wearing braces for a period of time.

  • Surgery: The jaw surgery itself is typically done under general anesthesia and can involve repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve alignment and function. The surgery can take several hours to complete.

  • Recovery: After surgery, the patient will need to spend some time in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. They may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days and weeks following the surgery.

  • Post-surgical orthodontic treatment: Following the surgery, the patient will continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the position of their teeth and ensure proper alignment. This can involve wearing braces for a period of time after the surgery.

  • Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their orthodontist and oral surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure that their jaw is healing properly. This may involve adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.

  • Long-term outcomes: Over time, the patient should experience improved function and aesthetics of their jaw as a result of the surgery. It is important for the patient to follow their orthodontic and surgical team’s instructions for long-term success.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will I need braces before or after the surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of facial appearance and function?
  5. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the jaw surgery?
  7. How will the surgery impact my bite and chewing function?
  8. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes post-surgery?
  9. How long do the results of the surgery typically last?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options that I should consider before deciding on jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Choi BK, Jeon HB, Lo LJ, Yun IS. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2023 Mar;51(3):188-198. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.01.018. Epub 2023 Jan 31. PMID: 36804362