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Matt
Orthognathic surgery, commonly referred to as corrective jaw surgery, is used to correct growth problems, orthodontic issues, TMJ disorders, and a variety of other conditions. Patients who don’t address problems with jaw misalignment often experience jaw pain, sleep apnea, and even malnourishment because they cannot properly chew foods. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons perform jaw surgery for patients in Monterey, Salinas, and Santa Cruz, CA. Our friendly office staff can assist you in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe to determine if jaw surgery is the right treatment for you.
Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of jaw pain or discomfort. A few noticeable symptoms of jaw problems are
- Chronic jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- Breathing problems such as sleep apnea
- Problems with opening or closing your mouth fully
- Inability to bite down properly
If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact one of our offices to schedule an appointment with our team. During the initial consultation, our surgeons will complete a full oral examination and X-ray evaluation of your mouth and jaws. We will discuss all your surgical and nonsurgical options to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery
Not only can jaw misalignment cause oral health problems and affect a patient’s daily activities, but it can also significantly impact facial aesthetics. Jaw surgery performed by one of our oral surgeons can prevent future complications, restore the function of a patient’s jaw, and re-create a balanced facial appearance. Orthognathic surgery can create beneficial results for patients, including the following:
- Enhanced facial appearance
- Reduced pain and discomfort in the jaw
- Improved function to eat, drink, and breathe easily
- Less wear on the teeth with proper tooth alignment in the jaw
- Often resolves accompanying TMJ or sleep apnea problems
Orthognathic surgery is one of the most transformative procedures in oral surgery. Our team and our patients love to see the results.
Jaw Surgery Procedure
Corrective jaw surgery requires a team-based approach with a patient’s orthodontist to provide the best treatment outcome. Traditionally, patients begin the treatment process wearing braces to move the teeth and jaws into the proper place for surgery. Once it is time for your surgical procedure, one of our oral surgeons will separate the part of the jaw that needs to be realigned during the operation. Next, your surgeon will attach small plates, screws or wires to secure your jaw bone into the correct position. These biocompatible materials, such as medical-grade titanium, do not usually require removal after the jaw has healed. After surgery, patients must adhere to a soft food diet to allow for healing. Finally, the orthodontist will finish the fine adjustments to the bite using braces to complete the procedure.
Corrective Jaw Surgery in Monterey, Salinas, and Santa Cruz, CA
Our oral surgeons at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery will work hard to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique oral health problems. Your surgeon will team up with your orthodontist to provide the optimal results for your jaw surgery procedure. We pride our team on maintaining a friendly and welcoming office environment, ensuring that each patient can visit our practice and leave smiling confidently. Contact our office for more information about corrective jaw surgery and to schedule a consultation.