All About Corrective Jaw Surgery

Updated on February 10, 2020
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If you are among the 60 million people suffering from dysfunctional or misaligned jaw joints in the United States, you may be wondering which treatment options are available and which one is the most appropriate for you. You have probably heard about corrective jaw surgery and wondered what it entails and whether it is a good fit for you. For you to decide if corrective jaw surgery is the way to go, you must consult your dentist and take your time to understand its pros and cons. Below are some important things that you should know about corrective jaw surgery in Alexandria, VA.

What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is a surgical procedure that seeks to fix jawbone irregularities and realign the teeth and the jaw to enhance their performance. For instance, the procedure can go a long way to improving functions such as speaking, chewing, and breathing. The procedure is also known to improve the patient’s facial appearance. It is usually considered in cases where orthodontics are not sufficient in solving jaw problems.

Why Is It Done?

Corrective jaw surgery can be done for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons it is done include:

  • Improve biting and chewing
  • Correct some swallowing and speech problems
  • Minimize wear and breakdown of teeth
  • Repair facial birth defects or injuries
  • Treat obstructive sleep apnea
  • Enable the lips to close comfortably
  • Correct bite and jaw closure problems
  • Reduce pain resulting from temporomandibular joint disorders

Pros of Corrective Jaw Surgery

There are a number of benefits that are associated with corrective jaw surgery. For instance, after the surgery, patients are likely going to have their bite and chewing improved. Besides, by realigning the jaws and the teeth, the damage on dental structures is going to be reduced. In other words, the teeth are going to be protected from excessive wear and tear. Corrective jaw surgery is also known to relieve symptoms of TMJ disorders, such as jaw pain, and even improve the facial appearance of the patient. Another benefit of corrective jaw surgery is that, although it is quite costly, the procedure can be covered by insurance.

Cons of Corrective Jaw Surgery

Like any other surgical procedure, corrective jaw surgery is not without some drawbacks. For instance, it is associated with risks such as sensory loss, pain, extensive bleeding, nerve damage, and infections among others. However, if you work with an experienced dental surgeon, the possibility of most of these risks can be minimized.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that if your bite is imperfect due to misaligned jaws, corrective jaw surgery is can be an excellent solution for you. Although the procedure has many benefits, it is also associated with a number of drawbacks, and therefore, it should only be considered where other non-invasive options have failed. If you are looking for a reliable dental surgeon offering corrective jaw surgery in Alexandria, VA, Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is an excellent facility to consider. Feel free to contact or visit them today for more information about the services that they offer.

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