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

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:

• Difficulty biting into or chewing your food
• Challenges swallowing
• Chronic pain in the jaw or the jaw joint (your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ)
• Worn down teeth
• Frequent headaches or migraines

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.

When might surgical orthodontics be needed?

Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive orthognathic surgery, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.

How do I know if I need orthognathic surgery?

Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.

How does orthognathic surgery work?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

What are the risks associated with orthognathic surgery?

As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you're concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.

What are the rewards of having orthognathic surgery?

For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.