How Do You Know If You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

If you’re dealing with jaw pain, misalignment, or difficulty chewing, you may be asking, “How do I know if I need jaw surgery?” Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a treatment that can improve both the function and appearance of your jaw. 

It's typically recommended when other methods like braces or dental treatments are no longer effective. However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and conditions that may warrant this type of surgery. 

Signs That You May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery

Jaw misalignment doesn’t always cause pain right away. Nevertheless, over time, the discomfort can intensify. A common sign that may indicate the need for jaw surgery is trouble chewing or biting. Struggling to chew or bite food properly could suggest jaw misalignment.

Problems with biting can result in uneven wear on your teeth or make eating painful. You might notice that your jaw locks or feels stiff when chewing, which can interfere with normal eating habits. In severe cases, this issue can lead to malnutrition or difficulty maintaining a balanced diet.

Another sign is persistent jaw pain. Chronic jaw pain is often a telltale sign that something is wrong. Pain might occur in your jaw, face, or neck and could be a result of misalignment. This discomfort might get worse when chewing or even while speaking. If the pain doesn’t go away after trying medications or other treatments, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Misalignment of the jaw can also cause breathing issues during sleep, causing sleep apnea or snoring. If you experience either of these conditions, it could be linked to the position of your jaw. In these cases, jaw surgery may help by realigning the jaw and improving airflow. This will lead to better sleep quality and even helps with daytime fatigue.

A crooked or protruding jaw is another visual sign that you might need corrective surgery. If your jaw doesn’t line up properly, it can affect your facial symmetry and cause self-consciousness. Surgery can help by repositioning the jaw, improving both function and appearance, and enhancing your facial profile.

Finally, speech difficulties such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds might also indicate jaw misalignment. When the jaw is not aligned correctly, it can interfere with the movement of the mouth and tongue, which makes it harder to speak clearly. 

What Causes Jaw Misalignment?

There are various reasons why someone might need jaw surgery, ranging from genetics to injury. One of the most common causes is genetics. 

In many cases, jaw issues are inherited, meaning that if you have a family history of jaw problems, you may be more likely to experience misalignment yourself. Genetic factors can lead to conditions like overbites, underbites, or crossbites, all of which might require corrective surgery.

Injury or trauma is another significant factor. Injuries to the jaw, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to misalignment. These issues might result from accidents, sports injuries, or falls. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to reposition the bones properly and restore normal jaw function.

Some people are also born with jaw-related birth defects that affect the shape or alignment of the jaw and teeth. In these instances, corrective jaw surgery might be needed to correct these defects and improve both the appearance and function of the jaw.

As children grow, their teeth and jaws continue to develop. However, sometimes this development doesn’t occur evenly, which can lead to misalignment. This can result in problems like overbites or underbites. If these issues aren’t addressed early, surgery might be required later in life when the child is older.

Certain medical conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or arthritis, can also cause jaw misalignment. These conditions can lead to joint dysfunction, resulting in pain and misalignment. In such cases, surgery may be needed to correct the damage and alleviate symptoms.

How Corrective Jaw Surgery Works

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, involves repositioning the jaw to improve both its function and appearance. The procedure is often performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. 

Surgeons will carefully reposition the upper or lower jaw, or both, to correct misalignment. In some cases, the surgery might require the removal of a small portion of the bone to achieve the best alignment.

After the surgery, patients typically need a recovery period. The initial phase involves managing pain and swelling, which will gradually subside over time. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding eating, speaking, and oral hygiene during the recovery period. Your surgeon may recommend a soft food diet for a while as your jaw heals. 

How to Know if Jaw Surgery Is Right for You

Not everyone with jaw issues requires surgery. In many cases, your dentist or orthodontist will try non-invasive treatments, such as braces or aligners, before recommending surgery. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with severe misalignment that affects your ability to eat, speak, or live comfortably, surgery may be the best option.

If you're uncertain about the need for surgery, a consultation with a dental professional is the best way to determine your options. BrookHaven Dental Associates works closely with its patients to assess their condition thoroughly. During your consultation, we will perform a detailed examination and discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns. 

How BrookHaven Dental Associates Can Help

BrookHaven Dental Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of jaw-related issues, including those that may require corrective jaw surgery. Our experienced team works with you to evaluate your situation and determine if surgery is the right path forward.

We begin by assessing your jaw alignment, discussing your medical history, and understanding any discomfort you might be experiencing. If necessary, we collaborate with experienced oral surgeons so that you receive the highest standard of care. We believe in a patient-first approach and make sure that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Our team at BrookHaven Dental Associates can help guide you through every step of the journey, from the initial consultation to the recovery period after surgery. We offer continuous support and guidance in managing pain, improving function, and achieving the best results from your treatment.

If you are considering corrective jaw surgery, we’re here to help you understand your options and make the right decision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable smile.