Our Summary

This study looked at why people decide to have jaw surgery, how happy they were with the results, and what complications they experienced. The people involved in the study had their surgery at the University of California between 2016 and 2019, and were interviewed at least 9 months after their surgery. They found that most people were happy with their surgery, but some did have ongoing issues which affected their satisfaction. The most common problem was numbness in the area affected by the surgery. However, many people who had headaches or jaw joint problems before surgery reported that these problems got better after surgery. Interestingly, before surgery, people were more likely to say they were having surgery because of functional issues, but after surgery, they were more likely to say they did it for cosmetic reasons. The study concluded that while people are generally happy after jaw surgery, it’s important for them to have realistic expectations and to be fully aware of potential complications.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common reasons people decided to have jaw surgery according to the study?
  2. What were the most common complications experienced by patients after undergoing jaw surgery at the University of California between 2016 and 2019?
  3. Were patients generally satisfied with the results of their orthognathic surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to have realistic expectations and be fully informed about potential complications. It’s important to understand that while most people are happy with the results of the surgery, there can be unexpected issues such as numbness or ongoing problems. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or questions with your doctor before and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), jaw deformities (such as underbite or overbite), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other functional or aesthetic issues related to the jaw and facial structure. Orthognathic surgery is often considered as a treatment option when orthodontic treatment alone is not sufficient to correct these issues. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and other specialists to determine if orthognathic surgery is the most appropriate treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of pre-surgical orthodontic treatments to prepare the teeth for surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, to plan the surgical procedure.
  4. Patient attends pre-surgical consultations to discuss the surgery, risks, and expected outcomes.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to reposition the jaw bones.
  2. Patient may experience swelling, discomfort, and difficulty speaking and eating in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient follows a strict post-operative care routine, including pain management and a soft diet.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Patient undergoes post-surgical orthodontic treatments to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  6. Patient experiences improvements in jaw function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery in terms of improving functional issues such as chewing and breathing?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications after surgery?
  5. How long will I need to take off work or school for recovery?
  6. Will I need to wear braces before and/or after the surgery?
  7. What type of changes can I expect in terms of my facial appearance after the surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the orthognathic surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options for my specific condition that I should consider before deciding on surgery?

Reference

Authors: Keefe SH, Keefe MG, Hui B, Pogrel MA. Journal: Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2023 Feb;135(2):e15-e24. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.06.016. Epub 2022 Jul 8. PMID: 36058835