If the jaws do not develop properly, they can negatively affect the way you bite, chew, speak, and even breathe. Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is an oral surgery procedure that repositions the upper and lower jaws. This improves facial harmony and restores your ability to eat and speak normally.

Dr. Robert Wood, Dr. Nicholas Coles, Dr. Negin Saghafi, and Dr. Jerome Holbrook at Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are jaw surgery experts and perform this complex surgery for patients of all ages. Orthognathic surgery is often considered when orthodontic work alone cannot fix bite misalignment. Contact our practice today if you or your child are in need of orthognathic surgery in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita, AZ.

Usually, braces and other methods of aligning the bite will be tried before resorting to surgery. In cases of severe misalignment, facial injury, or growth problems, surgery may be the only way to correct the issue. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your condition before presenting your treatment options. Orthognathic surgery may be right for you if you are having difficulty in any of the following areas:

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects a person’s breathing during sleep. Frequent pauses in breathing can last a few seconds or even minutes in serious sleep apnea cases. This disruption in breathing can lead to low blood oxygen, mental fog during the day, heart problems, and other serious issues.

When nonsurgical treatments can’t provide relief, orthognathic surgery may be considered as the next step in your sleep apnea treatment plan. Repositioning the jaw to create more space for airflow can be successful in treating sleep apnea. This procedure is more involved and is usually only considered in serious cases.

If you are interested in having an evaluation or learning more about jaw surgery, feel free to contact one of our offices in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita, AZ, for more information.

Once your teeth are ready, you will have a consultation with your oral surgeon. Your surgeon will take 3D images during the evaluation to help us precisely plan your procedure. These detailed images are used to create models of your jaw and surgical guides for your procedure. The consultation appointment is also a good time to ask questions and discuss your procedure with your surgeon. Your surgeon will give you a full overview of your pre- and post-operative instructions to help prepare you for treatment. Next, you will choose a date to return for your orthognathic procedure.

Your surgical visit may take place in one of our operating suites, but if your procedure is more extensive, it will probably take place in a hospital. These details will all be determined and communicated with you well before your procedure day. Once you arrive and prepare for surgery, the surgeon or anesthesiologist will administer your anesthesia. General or IV anesthesia is the standard for most jaw surgeries.

Next, your surgeon will separate and reposition the portion of the jaw that needs movement and correctly reposition it. Tiny biocompatible plates and screws will secure the bone in place. Some patients worry that they will need to have their jaws wired shut during the healing period, but advances in orthognathic procedures have virtually eliminated the need to do this.

Once the surgery is complete, you will rest and recover until you are ready to be driven home by your designated driver. You may spend a night in the hospital or care facility before returning home.

If you or your child needs jaw surgery, Dr. Robert Wood, Dr. Nicholas Coles, Dr. Negin Saghafi, and Dr. Jerome Holbrook have the skills necessary to evaluate and treat their condition. Jaw surgery can drastically improve your ability to eat, speak, and breathe. Contact Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for a consultation and we will explore your treatment options to see if orthognathic surgery is right for you.