What does Corrective Jaw Surgery include?
Corrective jaw surgery, which is also called orthognathic surgery, can address a number of such defects in the jaw. In performing this type of procedure, the oral surgeon may remove excess bone in the maxilla or mandible or make other adjustments to the positioning of the jaws as needed.
How do I know if I am a candidate for jaw surgery?
Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury
- Birth defects
- Receding lower jaw and chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw to move and function.
What is Sleep Apnea?
During sleep, the upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue, large tonsils and/or a large tongue. Also contributing to the problem may be the airway muscles, which relax and collapse during sleep, nasal passages, and the position of the jaw.
If you have been suffering with jaw pain that may be related to a TMJ disorder or symptoms of Sleep Apnea, call our office to schedule a consultation (563) 557-1440.