Orthognathic surgery is a type of corrective facial surgery that is used to treat and correct the deformities of the facial bones and teeth. It is most commonly used to correct the alignment of the lower jaw, the upper jaw, and the bite. Orthognathic surgery is also used to correct other facial deformities such as cleft palate, facial asymmetry, and mandibular hypoplasia.
The overall goal of orthognathic surgery is to improve the patient’s facial balance, better their ability to chew, and enhance their overall facial aesthetics. This difficult surgery requires precise planning as well as careful execution. It is important to understand the sequence of treatment and preoperative analysis of dentofacial deformity.
Sequence of Treatment
The process of orthognathic surgery typically begins with the patient consulting with an oral surgeon and orthodontist. During this initial consultation, the doctor will take comprehensive photographs of the patient’s face and jaw and analyze the patient’s dentofacial deformity. The doctor will then develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Once the treatment plan has been approved, the patient will usually have to undergo orthodontic treatment to help prepare the teeth, gums, and jaw for the surgery. In some cases, the orthodontic treatment will also help to ensure that the teeth and jaws will line up properly after the surgery.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make incisions to the facial bones and teeth to help realign them. The surgeon will then reposition and secure the bones and teeth into their correct positions. After the surgery, the patient’s orthodontic treatment will be adjusted to help ensure the teeth, gums, and jaw all fit together properly.
Possible Complications of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is a common surgical procedure and is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are potential complications and risks associated with the procedure. Some of the most common possible complications of orthognathic surgery include:
- Infection. As with any surgery, infection is a potential risk. A qualified and experienced surgeon will take every precaution to reduce the risk of infection and will take steps to minimize the chance of infection post-operatively.
- Bleeding. Orthognathic surgery can lead to significant bleeding, which can be difficult to control. Hypotensive anesthesia, which is a technique that reduces the amount of bleeding during surgery, can be used to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Nerve Damage. There is a risk of nerve damage associated with orthognathic surgery, most commonly with the inferior alveolar nerve, which can lead to loss of sensation in the lower lip and chin area. This can be minimized by careful pre-operative planning and precise execution by the surgeon.
- Facial Asymmetry. As with any surgery, there is a risk of facial asymmetry or scarring. This can be minimized by careful pre-operative planning and precise execution by the surgeon.
- Jaw Alignment. Orthognathic surgery can lead to misalignment of the jaw, which can lead to difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing. This can be minimized by careful pre-operative planning and precise execution by the surgeon.
- Jaw Joint Problems. Orthognathic surgery can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which can lead to pain and limited jaw movement. This can be minimized by careful pre-operative planning and precise execution by the surgeon.
- Bone Non-Union. Orthognathic surgery can lead to non-union of the bones, which can lead to malocclusion. This can be minimized by careful pre-operative planning and precise execution by the surgeon.
Overall, orthognathic surgery is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. It is important for patients to be aware of these risks and to discuss them with their surgeon prior to surgery.
