These conditions may cause many functional and psychological
problems. The good news is that they need not be permanent.
Improvement, and often correction, can be attained with the
proper procedure. It is a cosmetic surgery and the surgeon
envisages changing the face of a person from distortion to
proportion. The results of orthognathic surgery can have a
dramatic and positive affect on many aspects of your life.
Evaluation :
After the initial examination a thorough examination with
facial measurements, photographs, x-rays, and dental
impressions will be carried out. A complete medical
examination will follow. This rules out any health problems
that would interfere with the surgery or the administration
of General Anesthesia.
Pre-surgical Orthodontia :
The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Orthodontist will
work closely together during your treatment. Orthodontic
treatment (braces) is started before surgery. The teeth are
moved and repositioned into proper alignment before surgery
if necessary.
Preparing for Surgery :
The Orthognathic Surgery will take place in a hospital under
general anesthesia. You will be admitted to the hospital one
day prior to surgery and will be advised on dietary
conditions for the days leading up to surgery. You will
probably be required to stay in the hospital for a week or
so until you have recovered from the surgery. You may need
blood transfusion during the surgery. You will then undergo
a full medical checkup. You should as always, maintain a
good standard of oral hygiene before and after surgery.
Surgical Procedures :
Orthognathic Surgery lasts anywhere from
1½ hours to several hours depending on the type of surgery
needed. Incisions are made inside the mouth during surgery
and there will be no visible external scars. However if
external incision has to be made, as in surgeries of the
tempromandibular joint , care is taken to conceal it in the
natural skin creases or folds. Meticulous suturing technique
can reduce the scar formation.
