Orthognathic Surgery
Allentown PA
 Also referred to as corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery is a broad term that describes treatment designed to treat some different dental and facial skeletal problems. Orthognathic surgery covers multiple treatments from extracting wisdom teeth to reconstructive surgery. If you are in need of orthognathic surgery, Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can help.
Why Undergo Orthognathic Surgery? When your teeth or jaws are poorly aligned, or you are suffering from other jaw-related issues, your quality of life can be significantly impacted. Biting and chewing can be difficult, even painful. You may find it harder to speak. Jaw issues can even impact your quality of sleep.
If your jaw is causing you discomfort and interfering with your daily life, it is important that you have your mouth evaluated right away. We look over your mouth, checking for visible damage and alignment issues. We also take X-rays of your mouth as well. X-rays allow us to see issues below the gums, such as impacted wisdom teeth, root damage, infections, cysts, fractures, and other issues. Once we have diagnosed the cause of your discomfort, we are then able to create a customized treatment plan to restore your oral health and your quality of life.
What Can Orthognathic Surgery Treat? Orthognathic surgery can be used to treat some different issues, including: | • |
Congenital defects. These include such things as cleft palates.
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Issues with your bite, such as open bite, crossbite, overbite, or underbite.
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Impacted wisdom teeth.
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Temporomandibular joint disorder.
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Obstructive sleep apnea.
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Chronic mouth breathing.
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Your facial features are imbalanced.
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Facial trauma, which can result from sports injuries, auto accidents, falls, and more.
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You have previously undergone orthodontic work to correct alignment issues, but you are still faced with jaw problems. |
Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery Once we have determined your exact issues, we design a custom treatment plan just for you. Before we begin your surgery, you are provided with a local anesthetic, which ensures that you do not feel any pain. We can also provide you with sedation if you are feeling anxious.
Surgery begins with small incisions in the soft tissues to gain access to your jawbone. Depending upon your specific needs, bone may be added or removed. Teeth may be extracted, or plates and screws may be used to stabilize fractured bones. The exact amount of time it takes to complete your surgery depends upon your exact procedures. In general, surgery can take anywhere from one to three hours, although some procedures may take longer. Once your procedure is finished, surgical wounds are cleaned and sutured closed. Recovery times vary based on the procedures performed.
The Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery There are many benefits to orthognathic surgery. | • |
Jaw pain is alleviated.
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You can eat and speak easily again, and without discomfort.
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Correcting alignment improves your overall digestion, with in turn improves your nutrition and health.
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Your quality of sleep improves.
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The quality of your smile, as well as your overall facial appearance, are improved, which can help to boost your confidence. |
Orthognathic surgery can restore your oral health and your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (610) 435-6161 today. |
