Upper Jaw: Functions, Common Issues, Pain, and Treatment

What is Upper Jaw Protrusion?

There are a slew of potential problems with the upper or lower jaw. Overdevelopment of the upper jaw, aka maxilla, for example, could result in an overbite. 

Similarly, an underbite occurs when the lower jaw or mandible is overdeveloped in comparison to the jaw or head. 

Fortunately, both of these problems can be treated by a team of skilled dentists, orthodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons.

What Are The Common Upper Jaw Issues?

Protruding upper teeth, sometimes known as buck teeth, is a highly prevalent issue. Overbite is a hereditary condition that affects some people. 

Their jaw form is such that the upper and lower jaw sizes are different. The upper jaw may be excessively receded or protruded at times.

When you close your mouth, the rear teeth may not touch, resulting in an open bite. In rare circumstances, your bottom teeth sit outside your top teeth, resulting in a crossbite when you close your mouth. 

Midfacial hypoplasia is a disorder in which growth in the middle of the face is diminished in some patients.

Similarly, some people have prognathism, which is a disorder in which the jaw protrudes, resulting in an overbite or underbite. 

Maxillary prognathism occurs when the upper jaw protrudes for a variety of reasons. For example, it could be caused by the body producing too much growth hormone, which causes the tissues to increase. 

It could be caused by a rare genetic condition known as basal cell nevus syndrome in some individuals. Another rare congenital disorder that may impede bone growth is acrodysostosis.

Bimaxillary prognathism occurs when both the upper and lower jaws extend.

Upper jaw surgery is majorly performed for the following corrections:

• A  significant receding or protrudes

• Crossbite

• Too many or too few teeth are visible.

• Take a bite

• Midfacial hypoplasia (reduced facial growth in the center of the face)

The surgeon cuts the bone above your teeth, allowing the entire top jaw, including the roof of your mouth and upper teeth, to move as a single unit. 

The upper teeth and jaw are advanced until they are properly aligned with the lower teeth. This can be planned on a computer to see whether any more work, such as orthodontics, is needed to help correct any residual fit difference.

The excess bone grows above the molars, tilting what is ordinarily a flat, smooth surface. To address this, your surgeon will shave or remove the surplus bone.

After the jaw has been straightened, plates and screws hold the bone in its new position.

What Does the Soreness on One Side of My Jaw Mean?

Pain on one side of your jawbone could indicate a temporomandibular joint condition (TMD) or a tooth problem.

How Do Medical Professionals Manage Jaw Pain?

That depends on the cause of your jaw pain. If you have a fractured jaw, surgery may be required. You'll need dental care if your jaw hurts as a result of an abscessed tooth or periodontal disease. 

If you have TMJ (also known as TMJ), your doctor may advise you to try the following:

• Consuming soft meals.

• Using heat or cold on your jaw.

• Gentle stretching exercises can help you relax and improve your jaw muscles.

• Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without a prescription.

• Stop clenching your jaw, biting your nails, and grinding your teeth.

Does Upper Jaw Surgery Change Your Face?

Repositions and reshapes entire sections of a patient's face.

To put it simply, the procedure allows for the movement and reshaping of significant sections of a patient's face. 

The jaw bone is sliced and moulded before being relocated forward or backwards depending on the needs of the patient. 

It will remain in place indefinitely. This would give you a whole different appearance.

How to Fix a "Gummy Smile"

The corrective surgery for this pulls the jaw backwards and significantly changes the appearance of the chin, giving it a stronger, more defined appearance on the face.

When Do You Need to Be Concerned about Jaw Pain?

Some jaw pain will go away on its own. If you have jaw pain that lasts more than a week, consult a doctor.

Jaw pain can sometimes be a sign of a medical emergency. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms proceed to the nearest Dezy clinic.

What Causes Upper Jaw Pain On One Side?

Jaw discomfort and tenderness can be caused by joint damage, infection, or a toothache, among other things. Other symptoms you have may aid in determining the cause.

Jaw pain that appears suddenly is usually not serious. However, if it is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, such as chest pain or a high fever, it may be an early warning sign of a more serious health condition, such as a heart attack.

Pain on one side of your jaw is frequently caused by dental or oral health issues.

The following are examples of common dental issues that cause jaw pain:

• Cavities abscessed teeth, wisdom tooth growth, gum disease or tooth decay, missing or misaligned teeth, tooth grinding or clenching.
• If dental problems are to fault, you will most likely experience the following symptoms:
• Lingering or intermittent tooth pain sensitive teeth painful, bleeding gums ulcers in your mouth foul breath or persistent dry mouth pain while eating or swallowing.
• An abscess may be indicated by facial oedema, fever, and acute tooth pain. For these symptoms, you should see a dentist or healthcare expert every once, especially if breathing and swallowing become difficult.

What Does It Feel Like to Have Jaw Pain?

Jaw discomfort can feel like this:

• Your temporomandibular joints are stiff. Your temporomandibular joints are placed immediately in front of your ears on both sides of your face. They link your lower jaw to your skull. Your temporomandibular joints are responsible for your ability to move your lower jaw up and down and side to side.

• Throbbing or aching pain in your jaw.

• After an injury, you may experience severe discomfort in your jaw.

• Spreading pain from your chest or shoulders to your jaw. This could be a sign of a heart attack. Heart attacks are considered medical emergencies. If you experience this symptom, dial 911.

• Trismus (pain when trying to expand your mouth).