Oral Surgeon in Lee's Summit

Ask an Oral Surgeon: When Is Jaw Surgery Needed?

An oral surgeon performs many types of surgeries. One of these is jaw surgery. You might be wondering when a patient may need this type of surgery. An oral surgeon can fix a patient’s bite or help prevent chronic pain in the future.

Improper bite from poor bone structure

Generally, a dentist will recommend tooth extractions, braces and retainers before having surgery. However, for teeth that are extremely misaligned, an oral surgeon may recommend having surgery. If the misalignment is because of the structure of the bone, then braces will not help. People who have open bites, overbites, crossbites and underbites can all benefit form jaw surgery.

Receding or protruding jaw

In severe cases, an individual’s lower and upper jaws do not align at all. This happens when the jawbones have developed more in some places than in others. If the lower jaw protrudes, either the upper jaw is underdeveloped or the lower jaw is overdeveloped. On the other hand, a receding lower jaw is a result of the opposite of this problem.

Some types of developmental syndromes can limit growth on one side of a patient’s jaw. Other syndromes can cause parts of the jaw to develop too much. For each of these issues, the jaw must be recontoured. This requires surgery. Even though these problems may be noticeable in childhood, patients need to wait until the jaw has stopped growing. For children, headgear can be helpful.

Injury to the face

Sometimes, the jaw may be broken. This can happen because of an injury or a car accident. The jaw may not heal well on its own, so surgery can help correct the problem. This can restore both the function and the appearance of the jaw.

Chronic pain

Some people have TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, disorders. Normally, the movement of the jaw should be unhindered. However, if a patient has pain when opening the mouth or feels the jaw lock, there may be a disorder. There are several noninvasive options to treat this problem. These can include retainers, mouthguards and orthodontic appliances. However, jaw surgery is needed for some people to eliminate their pain.

Removing unusual growths

The jaw is made out of glands, muscle, bone and mucosa tissues. While this helps the jaw function, it also means the jaw is more susceptible to cysts and tumors. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are more susceptible. If a patient has growths around their jaw, an oral surgeon can remove them. This can prevent deformities and an unappealing appearance. Patients may need to have chemotherapy or radiation if it is a cancerous growth.

Visit an oral surgeon today

There are many times that a patient may need jaw surgery. This can include restoring the jaw after an accident and fixing a protruding jaw. An oral surgeon can also remove growths from the jaw. If you think you may need jaw surgery, then visit an oral surgeon for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

When To Consider Botox From An Oral Surgeon

Research shows that Botox™ appeals to both men and women. Many individuals want to battle the signs of aging. This common treatment helps them look years younger without going under the knife. Learning when to get Botox from your oral surgeon can help you prepare for treatment day.Jaw clenching or teeth grinding at night is…

How To Choose The Best Oral Surgeon For Your Needs

Searching for the most knowledgeable and skilled oral surgeon in your area can be challenging. But if you find the right dental care provider, you can achieve the enhancements that you want or need. Finding the right provider will need a little effort. Here are some tips you must consider for choosing the oral surgeon…

Top Reasons To Choose An Oral Surgeon For Your Facelift

A facelift can give you a more youthful appearance. Getting this procedure from an oral surgeon can even enhance your oral health. This dental care provider has the knowledge and experience to bring out the results that you want. Here are the main reasons to get your facelift from an oral surgeon.This dental professional is…

Common Procedures Performed By A Skilled Facial Surgeon

A facial surgeon can help you improve your appearance or correct medical conditions. A complete assessment must happen first before creating a custom-fit treatment plan. This healthcare professional aims to help you meet your cosmetic and health goals. Here are the common procedures you should consider from an experienced facial surgeon.This form of surgery can…

Dr. Prstojevich

Share
Published by
Dr. Prstojevich

Recent Posts

When to Consider Botox from an Oral Surgeon

Achieving a stunning appearance and good oral health is possible without surgery. A dentist who…

1 month ago

How to Choose the Best Oral Surgeon for Your Needs

The ideal oral surgeon must have extensive experience. This is how the provider uses the…

1 month ago

Top Reasons to Choose an Oral Surgeon for Your Facelift

Working with your oral surgeon can give you peace of mind and also prevent complications.

2 months ago

Common Procedures Performed by a Skilled Facial Surgeon

A facial surgeon can help you improve your appearance or correct medical conditions.

2 months ago

What to Know Before Getting Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Getting wisdom teeth extractions can seem like a nerve-wracking experience, but the process is actually…

3 months ago

What Is the Process of Getting a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty may happen at an outpatient medical facility or a hospital.

3 months ago