Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct misalignment, close gaps between the upper and lower teeth and correct abnormalities.
Orthognathic surgery is often necessary after an accident or injury, or to correct birth defects. These procedures, performed by the highly trained and experienced surgeons of Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC, have the ability to transform patients’ lives, restoring healthy function and appearance.
When Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?
In our practice, we use surgical procedures to treat a variety of conditions.
Jaw surgery to correct a misaligned or open bite may be necessary for patients whose teeth do not meet correctly. This condition may prevent patients from biting, chewing or speaking correctly. We use surgical techniques to correct an overbite or underbite, also known as protruding or receding jaw.
Patients who sustain serious injuries in a car accident, sports mishap or another type of trauma may require jaw reconstruction.
Other common reasons for performing orthognathic procedures include damage caused by TMJ disorder or excessive tooth grinding (bruxism). Surgical intervention can be life-changing for children and adults with congenital defects or patients with sleep apnea, facial imbalance and chronic pain.
Jaw Surgery as a Part of Orthodontia
For some patients, traditional orthodontia is not sufficient to correct significant alignment issues of the teeth.
So we work together with orthodontists and other dental professionals throughout Richmond and the surrounding communities of Eastern Indiana. Surgery can be performed before, after or during the orthodontic process. However, patients typically must wear braces or other corrective devices in conjunction with surgical intervention.
To develop a plan for these procedures, our jaw surgeons may use facial imaging and consult with the orthodontist to determine the best approach for orthognathic surgery.
Although we perform many types of oral and maxillofacial procedures in our office or in an outpatient surgery center, we typically perform more extensive procedures in the hospital under general anesthesia. You will not experience any pain during these procedures, and although you can expect your recovery to last as long as a few weeks, you will be able to resume your normal activities in short order.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery in Richmond, Indiana
After surgery, patients typically notice significant improvements in their health, their appearance or — in many cases — both.
Orthognathic surgery can relieve chronic pain and restore patients’ ability to breathe, chew and speak correctly. It can significantly improve sleep quality as well, particularly for patients who suffer from sleep apnea or TMJ disorders.
For patients who have experienced facial or dental trauma, surgery can prevent future scarring and the development of arthritis or other chronic conditions.
Our oral surgeons have advanced training and certification, as well as extensive experience in jaw surgery. We use advanced, three-dimensional imaging technologies that allow us in many cases to show you how your facial structure will look after your procedure.
Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC to schedule a consultation to discuss corrective jaw surgery.
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