Improve Speaking, Chewing, and Breathing
Also called corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery is a life-changing procedure in which an oral and maxillofacial surgeon corrects the alignment of the jaws. As part of their training, oral surgeons like Dr. Karas undergo extensive training in the delicate process of surgically aligning the upper and lower jaws, as well as safely administering all forms of anesthesia.
Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA, is happy to work with your orthodontist or care team to ensure your jaw surgery treatment is as beneficial and successful as possible.
When To Have Corrective Jaw Surgery
Dr. Karas will work with your dentist and/or orthodontist to determine whether orthognathic surgery is needed to correct oral health issues. You or your child may require jaw surgery if you experience any of the following:
- Chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorders, or headaches
- An open bite where your upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed
- Birth defects
- Facial trauma
- Inability to make the lips touch
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Excessive teeth wear
- Protruding jaw or receding chin
Orthognathic Surgery Procedure
During your first visit, Dr. Karas will take detailed 3D images of your teeth and facial structures. We offer several anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort during any procedure, although patients will undergo general anesthesia during jaw surgery.
Prior to surgery, you will wear braces to move your teeth into their proper positions. The surgery itself will last for several hours, depending on the complexity of your condition.
Dr. Karas may need to add, reshape, or take away bone. Surgical plates and screws will secure the jaws in their new locations. Some cases require incisions from the outside of the mouth, in which case we minimize the appearance of any possible scarring.
Your recovery is crucial to the overall success of your procedure, and our office provides detailed post-operative instructions that will explain everything you need to know. If you ever have questions about your treatment at any stage, please contact our office. Our skilled staff is happy to help.
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