Can jaw surgery correct your condition? Find out!
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Nobody likes to think about surgery. When it’s necessary, however, you want to make sure that it’s done right the first time by an experienced and skilled surgeon. At Coal Creek Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we perform all kinds of oral surgery procedures, from wisdom tooth extractions to complex jaw surgeries.
In addition to Dr. Hayes’s extensive skill and training, he also brings his kind and compassionate nature. We recognize that there are a million things that you would rather be doing, and we are here to help get you through this process smoothly and as comfortably as possible.
Corrective jaw surgery, known medically as orthognathic surgery, treats a wide array of dental and skeletal differences that can affect your health and your quality of life.
One of the most common reasons that this type of surgery is performed is to improve the alignment of jaws in the case of a severe over or under bite. Not only does jaw misalignment affect a person’s appearance, it can also have a dramatic impact on their health.
If you experience any of the following issues, you may be a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
Corrective surgery may also be needed to correct injuries caused by trauma. If you have experienced facial trauma, you will be in excellent hands at Coal Creek Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center. While Dr. Hayes was stationed in Germany, he treated many U.S. troops who had experienced severe facial trauma.
You probably have a number of questions and concerns, especially if your child’s oral development does not appear to be on track. We are happy to provide an evaluation and discuss your or your child’s needs with you.
Our advanced imaging technology makes it much easier to identify problems and plan treatment, reducing the risk of complications and surprises. Dr. Hayes will discuss your options with you, as well as any specific advantages or disadvantages, so that you can make informed and smart decisions about your care.
Give us a call today and we’ll find a time that’s right for you to meet with Dr. Hayes and learn more about the care we provide.
Dr. Curtis Hayes is a board-certified oral surgeon in Lafayette, Colorado. After completing a Bachelors of Science degree in biochemistry at the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Hayes attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. He graduated magna cum laude in 2003 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS). Most recently, Dr. Hayes became an International Best Selling author with a book he co-authored, Million Dollar Smile;Â Dr. Hayes wrote the chapter on digital dentistry.
Undergoing jaw surgery is an experience that requires longer recovery times than a typical procedure like an extraction or dental implant treatment. As such, our Lafayette, CO jaw surgery patients should plan extra time off of work and for rest as their body heals. Since these procedures involve resetting the jaw bones in a new position, stabilization is required to ensure that everything sets and fuses in the desired location.
Here are a few things you can expect…
You’ll be sent home with a gauze compress to minimize any bleeding, changing it out as needed. If bleeding lasts more than a few hours, let us know right away. Alternate cold compresses on either side of your face every 20 minutes to minimize swelling during the first two days. If you experience nausea of vomiting, contact us immediately.
Any type of surgical procedure places stress on the body. Taking it easy and allowing yourself time to heal is essential. Depending on what type of job you have, you may be able to return to work sooner rather than later. Just be sure to avoid any significant physical activities such as heavy lifting, exercise, or operating machinery (which includes driving.)
After jaw surgery you’ll be on a liquid diet, because of your jaw immobilization appliances. Select foods that are nutrient and calorie rich to prevent unwanted weight loss. Supplements such as nutritional shakes and food processors to puree solid food are essential. Make it a point to try to have smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, rather than trying to consume all of your calories at three set mealtimes. After six weeks you should be able to return to eating as normal.
You won’t be able to brush your teeth normally, so use the mouth rinses prescribed to clean away excessive plaque biofilm and bacteria inside of your mouth. A small, child-sized toothbrush can be used on a limited basis in areas that can be reached. Avoid vigorous rinsing early on, as this can dislodge essential blood clots and delay healing.
To reduce pressure, sleep propped up in a chair or elevated in your bed. It can help to go ahead and set an area in your home for your recovery (such as a recliner) where medications, drinks, food, and your phone are easily accessible.
Our jaw surgery services are some of the only ones in the Lafayette, CO area to provide Exparel nerve blocks in lieu of conventional pain management techniques found in a typical oral surgery practice. With this method, our patients experience up to 36 hours of desensitization around their surgical site, essentially eliminating the need for opioid painkillers after a jaw surgery. Minimal to moderate discomfort can easily be managed with over-the-counter medications, which are much safer.
Are you looking for an experienced provider to perform your next jaw surgery? Schedule a consultation at Coal Creek Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center today to find out how we can help!
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