Upper Jaw Surgery: The need for upper jaw surgery arises in a situation where the upper jaw is not aligned with the lower jaw, or in a situation where the teeth in both jaws are not aligned in a straight line and the mouth cannot be closed properly. This article explains what upper jaw surgery is, how to perform the procedure, and the results that can be expected.
Characteristics of deformities in the upper jaw
The problem of deformity or lack of integrity of the upper jaw is manifested in a general asymmetry of the face, looking in front or from the profile. The upper jaw is protruding or sunk to an abnormal level, and the surgery allows for an aesthetic improvement of the overall appearance of the face and even leads to the possibility of proper closure of the teeth so that the effect also applies to the respiratory system and chewing operations.
The symptoms and signs that indicate the need for upper jaw surgery include:
Insufficient, excessive or asymmetrical growth – of the upper jaw
Difficulty functioning – manifested by difficulty swallowing and chewing, as well as difficulty speaking
Lack of symmetry – when the posterior or anterior teeth are not aligned in a straight line, and the upper jaw is not symmetrical, so the face looks distorted
Effort in closing the mouth – the lips cannot be pinched easily
Chronic pain – in the upper jaw joint
Tooth erosion – as a result of deformity of the upper jaw
Surgery to treat and correct upper jaw problems
In the counseling session, the patient and the dentist put together a comprehensive work plan, from which it is possible to understand the goals of the surgery and the desired results. This is the patient's opportunity to ask all the questions about the surgery, and to express his expectations. To startupper jaw surgery, the area is disinfected, during the surgery, the dentist makes one incision, or several incisions, near the joint of the jaw and ear. The exact approach chosen depends on the purpose of the surgery and its scope. Thus, for example, if the goal is to correct deformity in the upper jaw, several incisions are made.
Next, the upper jaw is sawn using a small saw so that the jaw can be moved and fixed in the new position. Depending on the treatment plan, it is possible that at this stage a partial bone or sub-jaw tissue will be transplanted, or part of the jawbone will be removed.
At the end of the procedure, the gums are returned to the site by making closing sutures that dissolve after two to three weeks, and the patient receives a compression bandage. In some cases, a drain or several drains must be left in place to drain residual blood and fluid from the tissue. The duration of an upper jaw surgery procedure depends on the scope of the surgery, and in most cases lasts between one and three hours.
Upper jaw surgery results
By placing delicate rubber bands on both sides of the jaw, between the teeth, it is possible to create a new closure of the mouth. Only in rare cases does the need arise to tie the teeth together for a short period of time. Since upper jaw surgery changes facial features, in many cases lower jaw surgery or chin surgery is also performed in the same procedure, in order to achieve perfect harmony in the face. It is a complex surgery that involves treating a part of the mouth that is responsible for the proper functioning of the speech, breathing, and eating systems, and the effect on facial appearance is significant. Therefore, care must be taken to perform the surgery only by an oral and maxillofacial specialist, in order to achieve the perfect results.
After surgery
In the first days after upper jaw surgery, care should be taken to avoid bending or stretching the neck, as well as to avoid activating the facial muscles. The pressure bandage can be removed after a few days if the bleeding has stopped, and after a week and a half to three weeks, it can be examined whether to remove the sutures. Occasionally there may be hemorrhage under the skin or swelling, but in most cases, they are absorbed after two weeks. If pain occurs, prescription or over-the-counter painkillers can be used, as needed.
