Our Summary

This research was conducted to find out if there are any differences between patients who have had a specific type of jaw surgery (known as orthognathic surgery) for a second time, compared to those having it for the first time. The study was particularly interested in whether there were differences in how long the surgery took, how much blood was needed during surgery, the risks related to breathing during surgery, how long the patient stayed in hospital, and the rate of complications.

In the study, they looked back at the cases of 10 patients who had this type of surgery for a second time. The average age of these patients was 31, and the surgery lasted around 3 hours and 36 minutes. This was longer than the average surgery time of approximately 3 hours for those having the surgery for the first time.

However, the study concluded that despite the surgery taking longer for patients having it a second time, the rest of their hospital stay and the rate of major complications were similar to those having the surgery for the first time. This also included the overall results of the surgery, with 9 out of 10 of these patients achieving and maintaining the desired outcome.

FAQs

  1. Does orthognathic surgery take longer for patients who are having the surgery for the second time?
  2. Are there any differences in the rate of major complications between patients having orthognathic surgery for the first time and those having it for the second time?
  3. Is the success rate of orthognathic surgery similar for patients having the surgery for the first time and those having it for the second time?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking before surgery, taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following a specific diet or oral hygiene regimen. By following these instructions carefully, patients can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery are those with severe misalignment of the jaw, resulting in issues with biting, chewing, speaking, and breathing. This surgery is often recommended for patients with conditions such as:

  1. Severe underbite or overbite
  2. Difficulty chewing or biting due to jaw misalignment
  3. Facial asymmetry
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties related to jaw structure

Orthognathic surgery is usually considered after other treatment options, such as orthodontics, have been tried and have not been successful in correcting the jaw alignment issues. The decision to undergo orthognathic surgery is typically made by a team of healthcare professionals, including orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and other specialists, based on the individual patient’s specific needs and goals for treatment.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and plan for surgery.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Pre-operative appointments for medical clearance and surgical planning.
  4. Surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, which may include cutting and repositioning the upper and lower jaws.
  5. Post-operative recovery period in the hospital or at home, which may involve pain management and liquid diet.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Follow-up appointments with the orthodontist and oral surgeon to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment.
  2. Gradual return to normal diet and activities as healing progresses.
  3. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune bite and alignment of the teeth.
  4. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the stability of the surgical results and address any complications or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of orthognathic surgery do you recommend for my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long will the surgery take, and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery, and how likely am I to achieve them?
  6. What post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  8. What is the overall success rate of this type of surgery for patients in my age group?
  9. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  10. What are the potential long-term effects of orthognathic surgery, and how will it impact my daily life?

Reference

Authors: Posnick JC, Radulescu M, Kinard BE. Journal: Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2019 Jun;127(6):477-489. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.01.077. Epub 2019 Feb 6. PMID: 30878396