Preparing for Jaw Surgery with Orthodontics Preparing for a jaw surgery can raise a lot of questions in your mind. There are several reasons people choose to undergo jaw surgery. While some people choose to reshape or realign their jaws for cosmetic reasons, it might be necessary for others to improve their form and function. The surgery is carried out by a certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Depending on the nature of your surgery, it could be a few years before it is brought to completion. You may likely have to periodically visit your dentist to get updates on the treatment. If you are anxious about the results or would like to learn more about maxillofacial surgeries, our specially trained staff at Beaverton Oral Surgeons can answer all of your questions. They will help you understand how the procedure works and work with you to set expectations about the outcome. Before SurgeryYou must think about aftercare measures while preparing for a jaw surgery. You may be unable to eat normal food post surgery, so it’s wise to stock up on liquid foods like soups, milkshakes, and nutrition drinks, while you can. Fruits and berries that can be easily turned into soft foods or smoothies should be on the list too. Arrange for a friend or a family member to drive you home after the surgery. But more importantly, follow all of the directions given by your surgeon. If you take any medicine on a regular basis, you might want to check with your surgeon if it is okay to take them on the day of the surgery. What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA jaw surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia so you likely will not remember the procedure. However, there are times when surgeons choose to use IV sedation and local anesthesia. The surgery can last several hours depending on the complexity, during which a surgeon may make several incisions inside the mouth to shape the bone. In some rare cases, they might need to make incisions outside the mouth but rest assured, as your surgeon will do their best to minimize scarring. In order to reshape some parts of the bone, your surgeon might use screws, wires, or surgical plates. If you do not have adequate bone in certain parts, your surgeon may choose to take it from other parts of the body, like the hip, leg, or rib. RecoveryThe time it takes to recover from a jaw surgery depends on the nature of the procedure and some other factors. When performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, they are safe and provide reliable outcomes. Your surgeon will suggest aftercare measures to prevent infection. They might prescribe you a course of oral antibiotics for a couple of weeks. If you experience pain or swelling, your surgeon will also include a mild painkiller, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. When patients undergo an upper jaw surgery, they will likely need to use a nasal decongestant. This will help reduce any swelling in the nasal area. Jaw restorations and reshaping are becoming increasingly popular as the technology behind them is getting safer and more reliable. At Beaverton Oral Surgeons, we have the best maxillofacial surgeons. So if you are considering undergoing jaw surgery, we can turn your expectations into reality. Contact us at (503) 646-7101. |
 Hillsboro400 E Main St Ste 120, Hillsboro, OR 97123 Hillsboro, OR 97123-4163 (503) 646-7101 Beaverton3925 SW 153rd Drive #100 Beaverton, OR 97003 (503) 646-7101 HoursMon - Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm |
