Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that is often performed by an oral surgeon such as Dr. Leslie Sultan to address severe irregularities or problems with the jaw and jaw joint. For some, the procedure can help realign the jaw so the dental arch aligns properly. For other, jaw surgery may be performed when other treatments cannot provide a resolution. At the Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery, we will advise patients when jaw surgery might be on the horizon.
When should I consider jaw surgery?
Dr. Leslie Sultan will evaluate a patient and let them know if they are in need of jaw surgery. Below are just a few situations that might arise in which this procedure may be recommended:
- Severe bite problems exist, including crossbite, overbite, and underbite. Surgery may be suggested if the condition cannot be resolved with the use of orthodontic treatment or other means.
- Misaligned upper or lower jaw that leads to asymmetric facial structure and appearance.
- Jaw bone misalignment that contributes heavily to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. OSA may be effectively address with the use of a CPAP machine or oral appliance therapy before resorting to surgical interventions.
- For patients with conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ/TMD. This problem can become painful for patients and might not benefit from more conservative treatments such as muscle massage or oral appliances.
When should jaw surgery be performed?
When possible, Dr. Leslie Sultan will perform jaw surgery after the jaw is fully developed. This can be anywhere between the ages of 14 and 21 for both males and females. Problems that cannot be resolved with more conservative options might need to undergo surgery to address the issue effectively.
Call the Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery today
Dr. Leslie Sultan and his team may recommend jaw surgery for patients in a variety of situations. If you are faced with this or other restorative treatments and live in the area of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we encourage you to call the office to make an appointment and learn more about the treatments available. Our team is located at 4800 North Federal Highway #201 and provides full scope oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Call (954) 771-8772 to request an appointment at our facility.