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A misaligned jaw can have a significant impact on your oral health as well as your self-confidence. Fortunately, jaw surgery, which is also known as orthognathic surgery, offers a solution.
It is a dedicated branch of dentistry which focuses on correcting various jaw-related issues.
In this blog, let’s delve into the procedure and its types, the recovery process and the cost of undergoing this transformative procedure.
What is Jaw Surgery?
This surgical procedure aims to correct irregularities in the jaw structure to improve facial balance, enhance bite functionality and address other issues like breathing/speech problems.
The procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist.
Orthognathic surgery may be used to realign the lower, upper, or both jaws in individuals who have an improperly positioned jaw concerning the base of the skull or who have a large difference between the sizes of the jaws about one.
The facial shape can be completely altered through orthognathic surgery.
Why Should You Have Jaw Surgery?
A protruding jaw, a receding chin, birth defects or facial injuries, chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches, an open bite (the space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed), and sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping, including snoring) can all be successfully treated with corrective jaw surgery.
Aesthetic goals can be achieved with cosmetic jaw surgery techniques in addition to the correction of mild to severe teeth and jaw problems.
With the aid of this orthognathic technique, troublesome parts of the face, such as the lips, neck, nose, and cheeks, can be improved, including toothless or gummy smiles, weak chins, protruding underbites, and overbites.
How is Jaw Surgery Done?
The process begins after the surgeon thoroughly assesses the specific concerns and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Before the surgery, the patient might have to undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly.
The preparation for jaw surgery is extensive. To plan the surgery, the doctor will need specific information.
The following tests could be conducted to gather information:
X-rays.
CT scans, or computed tomography.
Images of the jaw and teeth.
Dental impressions are taken to build a dental model.
The teeth could also be scanned.
The procedure starts after the patient has been given the proper anaesthetic.
During the procedure, incisions are made inside the mouth to access the jawbones, due to this there won't be any scars on the chin, jaw or mouth.
Then the jawbones are repositioned using specialized techniques such as cutting, reshaping or bone grafting to achieve the desired alignment and function.
These incisions are then closed with sutures that dissolve over time.
An operation on the jaw may be done on the lower jaw, upper jaw, chin or any combination of these.
Maxillary Osteotomy- Upper Jaw Surgery
During upper jaw surgery, the upper jaw is cut, and the surgeon may then move it up, down, forward, or backwards as appropriate before securing it with plates and screws.
Surgery on the upper jaw may be necessary to treat:
pronouncedly protruded or receding upper jaw
An open bite is caused by either too many or too few teeth.
Midfacial hypoplasia- reduced facial development in the middle of the face.
Your surgeon will cut the bone above your teeth so that the entire top jaw, including the roof of your mouth and your upper teeth, can move together as a single unit.
They are advanced until the upper teeth and jaw are in perfect alignment with the lower teeth. Rubber bands, screws, wires, or tiny bone plates can all be used to hold the jaw in place.
It should be noted that if screws are used, they will be permanent and eventually fuse with the jaw.
The normally smooth, level surface gets slanted when too much bone grows above the molars, resulting in an open bite. To fix this, your surgeon cuts or eliminates the excess bone.
Plates and screws hold the bone in its new position after the jaw has been realigned.
Mandibular Osteotomy- Lower Jaw Surgery
The lower jaw's front section can move forward or backward and is attached with plates and screws.
A mandibular (lower jaw) osteotomy can be used to treat:
Lower jaw retraction
Extended lower jaw
The surgeon makes incisions behind the molars and along the length of the jawbone to enable the front of the jaw to move as a single unit.
The jaw can then be moved to its new location by moving it forward or backwards. As the jawbone heals, plates and screws hold it together.
Genioplasty- Chin Surgery
A genioplasty may be performed to enlarge a small chin. Lower jaws with significant receding typically have small chins.
Typically, the same operation can be used to change both the jaw and the chin.
The chin bone is sliced close to the front of the jaw, moved forward, and then fixed with plates and screws by the surgeon.
Recovery - What to Expect After Jaw Surgery?
After the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. It is very important to follow all the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon.
This will include a specific diet, pain management strategies and oral hygiene protocols. You could also be given oral antibiotics to prevent infection.
The recovery period varies according to individual cases but usually involves a few weeks- 6 to 12 on average. There will be limited physical activity and a slow transition to a normal diet.
How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost in India?
India has been a popular location for medical tourism since it provides top-notch healthcare at reasonable costs.
The nation is home to top-notch healthcare facilities and a talented workforce of oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
India is a popular destination for jaw surgery since it is affordable, has minimal waiting periods, and has access to cutting-edge equipment. The price of jaw surgery in India varies depending on several factors.
These include the complexity of the treatment, the degree of needed correction, the facility of care, the surgeon's experience, and any additional costs like post-operative care, diagnostic testing, and hospital stays.
Despite price variances, jaw surgery in India is still far less expensive than in many other nations.
Additionally, to help patients with realistic payment plans, several medical facilities give financing options or work with insurance companies.
Generally, the range of jaw surgery costs in India can vary from approximately INR 2,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 or more.
It's important to note that these are approximate figures and can vary significantly based on individual cases and specific treatment requirements.
It is advisable to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and obtain a personalized cost estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
A practical and affordable option for people looking to treat jaw abnormalities and enhance their dental health is jaw surgery in India.
This blog contains a thorough review of the operation, the healing process, the various jaw surgery options, the accessibility of treatment in India, the cost-influencing variables, and patient experiences.
Understanding the intricate details of jaw surgery enables people to make wise decisions, select qualified doctors, and start their transformational journey to a happier, healthier smile.
You should always seek advice from a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon to analyse your unique needs and choose the best course of action.
