Jaw surgery is a surgical procedure to change the size and shape of the jaws, which typically includes cutting the bone and moving one or more joints. This type of surgery aims to correct an obstruction within the mouth by removing excess tissue or bone, adjusting teeth for better chewing (aligning), creating symmetry in appearance, or changing different elements’ size to improve speech. Read further to learn about some common risks associated with jaw surgery.
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Excessive Jaw Pain
After the operation, the patient can experience some jaw discomfort and pain. Some patients may even develop swelling around their jawbone and need to take medications to relieve the pain. The recovery period is different for each person depending on their needs and condition. However, painkillers are usually required for a few weeks to avoid any discomfort after the surgery.
Excessive Swelling
Excessive swelling may occur due to trauma from the surgery. This is not usually dangerous, but it can cause breathing problems that will require treatment. Moreover, if this swelling occurs in people with a medical history of blood clotting or has an infection in their jaw joint, it may be dangerous and lead to death. The doctor will need to check the patient for these conditions before starting the surgery to prevent this dangerous complication.
Weak Jawbone
The jawbone may become weak after jaw surgery and will stop forming. This is a serious problem, and the patient needs to visit the doctor to avoid any complications. If the patient is in good health and has no medical history, this weakness may not significantly impact their life. The doctor will need to use rigid braces to prevent further bone loss once the disease develops.
Granulation or Abscesses
The operation may cause granulation or abscesses that can be dangerous if they occur near the airway or elsewhere in the body. Therefore, the doctor will need to perform a biopsy on the swollen tissue to determine if this is a medical condition caused by the surgery. Unfortunately, some granulation or abscesses may lead to death if they occur near the airway.
Damage To Jawbone
In some cases, damage to jawbone may occur after the surgery. This may be due to accidental trauma, or it can happen during a surgical procedure. If this happens, it may lead to permanent problems for the patient and may require stabilization of the affected osteotomy. The doctor will need to carefully check the jawbone for any fractures before determining a course of treatment.
Infection
There are several ways to treat an infected jaw joint, including draining abscesses, antibiotics, and painkillers. The doctor may even need to excise the infected jawbone to prevent permanent damage to the face. However, the extraction of the infected jawbone can be hazardous, leaving a large wound that must be closed and may even require a skin graft. The wound will need to be monitored until it becomes healed.
Jaw Folds
Jaw fissures are common in the elderly, and they can develop at any age. If it happens to you, it may lead to significant problems with swallowing and speaking properly. It will need to be diagnosed by a doctor before starting treatment. This syndrome is usually caused by the contraction of the underlying muscles and having a droopy chin. The treatment will vary depending on its severity, but it may involve surgery and medication.
Jaw Fracture
The jaw may need to be stabilized if there is a jaw fracture after the surgery. A cast or splint may need to be used for up to three months to promote healing of the fractured bone. The doctor will need to monitor the condition of the patient to prevent any further complications. In some situations, this will not be enough, so that you may require more invasive treatment.
Tooth Displacement
There is a risk that the teeth will be displaced after the operation. This may be due to stitches used in the surgery, or it can happen during the operation. However, if you experience displacement of your double jaw surgery teeth after jaw surgery, you should contact your doctor immediately. This may be a marker for another serious problem that needs to be taken care of right away. If the teeth still have not been displaced after eight weeks, you should have them extracted, and the remaining teeth will need to be fixed.
Changes In Jaw Function
Jaw function can also be affected by the surgery. If your jaw is completely paralyzed, you will need to use a jaw muscle stimulator to restore function. Jaw Behavior will need to be changed to avoid any obstruction. If there is only a partial change in the jaw, you should consult with your doctor. They will need to determine what kind of procedure is necessary to restore the correct function.
Jaw Muscle Damage
If your jaw is paralyzed or damaged, you will need to use a jaw muscle stimulator to regain function and prevent damage. You will also need to have it examined by an orthopedic specialist to determine the cause of this problem and how it can be addressed. This may be due to damage or excessive pressure from surgery. In some cases, it may be addressed by the patient without medical help.
Weak Teeth
The teeth can become weak and loose after jaw surgery. This is usually caused by excessive pressure or trauma during the operation. If this happens, several ways to secure the teeth with dental implants require surgery and can be expensive. If the teeth are already weak, it will be necessary to extract them and replace them with implants. The patient will also need an orthodontist to correct the bite after completing the procedure.
Bruxism
This is a condition that involves the grinding of the teeth. If you have this problem, then you should consider wearing a mouth guard. Due to jaw surgery, there is a risk that this can become very serious and cause other medical conditions such as headaches or TMJ syndrome. Therefore, it is best to start wearing a mouth guard if you have not done so yet.
Change In Jaw Angle
There is a risk that the jaw will become further misaligned after the operation. This may be due to damage or trauma during surgery, or it can be due to soft tissue swelling. If this happens, your doctor will need to determine the cause of the problem and find a way to correct it. Unfortunately, this can be very dangerous if not diagnosed by a doctor. To ensure that you recover as quickly as possible, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist.
Conclusion
These are the most common complications that may occur after jaw surgery. It is best you make the right decision before undergoing surgery to prevent these issues. In some cases, these complications can be serious and may require additional treatment.