Jaw Surgery
Honolulu, HI
Jaw Surgery provided by Dr. Haruki
and Dr. Oishi
in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center
Jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects abnormalities of the upper or lower jaw, or sometimes both. Orthognathic surgery can correct skeletal and dental irregularities, such as the misalignment of the jaws and teeth.
This surgery could help improve your chewing, breathing, and speaking. We will collaborate with other specialists to come up with the best oral treatment plan to correct the jaw issues you are currently experiencing.
What Conditions Need Jaw Surgery?
We will help to identify if you need corrective jaw surgery. You will first undergo x-rays and facial analysis to determine if there are abnormalities in your jaw.
Some of the conditions that need jaw surgery include congenital growth abnormalities, difficulty chewing or biting food, jaw or joint pain, unbalanced facial appearance, protruding jaw, sleep apnea and open bite.
Abnormalities fromfacial trauma may also be a cause.
What Are The Stages of Jaw Surgery?
There are usually several stages of jaw surgery that a patient must go through. These stages include: a presurgical orthodontic stage, operational stage, and the post-surgical orthodontic stage.
The presurgical orthodontic stage usually takes about 9 to 18 months. During this period, an orthodontist will use braces to align your teeth in a way to help you achieve a good bite once the operation is done.
After the completion of the presurgical orthodontic stage, we will proceed to the operational stage. During the operational stage, we surgically reposition the jaws to fix irregularities.
During this time, the patient will be under medical sedation. Following oral surgery and recovery, the orthodontist will make final adjustments to align your teeth into a proper bite.
The results of jaw surgery could be beneficial for you functionally and aesthetically. It can undoubtedly make you healthier and improve the quality of your life.
Have you ever had a broken jaw? If not, consider yourself lucky. A broken jaw is a very painful experience. The good news is that surgery can fix it, and you'll be on your way to a pain-free life. Here's what you need to know about jaw surgery!
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic treatment is a corrective jaw surgery used to fix dental and skeletal defects, such as crooked teeth and a misaligned jaw.
This type of surgery can also improve the function of the jaw and teeth and the overall facial appearance. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to improve the individual's ability to chew, speak, and breathe.
How Long Does Jaw Surgery Take?
The procedure to operate on the jaw is intricate and delicate and might take several hours to finish. The extent of the misalignment and the method used to correct it will determine how long the surgery will take. Jaw surgery typically takes between two and five hours to complete.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Safe?
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery used to improve the alignment of the jaw and teeth. This surgery is considered very safe, with a low risk of complications.
Overall, orthognathic surgery is a safe and effective way to improve the alignment of the jaw and teeth.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Jaw Surgery?
The short answer is that it will take several weeks to recover from jaw surgery. However, the exact time depends on the individual and the type of surgery performed.
Patients generally expect swelling and bruises around their face and mouth for the first few days following surgery. They may also have difficulty speaking and eating during this time. As they heal, however, most people find that their symptoms improve significantly.
Additionally, patients will likely need to wear braces or a splint for several weeks to help keep their jaw in place as it heals. Although recovery times vary, most people can return to normal activities within a few months after surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Jaw Surgery?
The most common complication from orthognathic surgery is temporary numbness in the lips and chin, which typically resolves within a few weeks. More severe complications are rare but can include infection, nerve damage, and bleeding.
What to Eat After Jaw Surgery
If you are scheduled for jaw surgery, you may wonder what you can eat afterward. After jaw surgery, it is important to eat soft foods. This will help reduce swelling and prevent complications.
There are many delicious and nutritious soft foods that you can enjoy. Some examples include:
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Mashed potatoes
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Scrambled eggs
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Applesauce
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Soups and stews
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Bananas
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Fish
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Cooked vegetables |
Eating softer foods will allow your jaw to heal correctly without putting too much strain on it.
Call Today to Take a Step Towards a Better You!
We know that the decision to have surgery is not an easy one. We want you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible in your choice, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
Give us a call today at 808-585-8455. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward a better you!
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