Many orthodontic disorders can be resolved with simple treatments. Fixed appliances, furniture, TMJ (ThermoMandibular Dysfunction) treatment boards, among others can be made in the medium and long term without major problems.
Some cases are a bit more complicated and require more direct interventions, including even surgical treatments.
This is the case for those who need to resort to orthognathic surgery, which is more common than it seems. It is recommended for those who have some type of bone deformity in the buccomaxillofacial region.
If you think this may be your case or have found that you will have to have surgery, here you will find all the details about it and clarify the main questions about it.
How does surgery work?
According to the oral and maxillofacial surgery and traumatology specialist and member of the International Siaolendoscopy Society, Viviane Naddeo, the entire procedure is very controlled and safe. The procedure is performed in a hospital setting. The surgical and preanesthetic risks are predictable.
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The patient undergoes general anesthesia and surgery takes place on the inside of the mouth, without scarring on the outside, with some exceptions. During surgery, the jaw is repositioned and these regions are fixed with titanium plates and pins.
She also states that the postoperative process is very important, because through it is possible to evaluate the progress of bone accommodation and muscle repositioning. But it is not only the oral-maxillofacial specialist that should be visited. Viviane stresses the importance of multidisciplinary follow-up with a nutritionist (to advise on nutrient intake during the liquid and pasty phase of feeding), a physiotherapist (to help reduce swelling in the region and muscle stimulation of the diet). region) and in more specific cases even prior psychological follow-up and after the procedure.
Benefits of surgery
Surgery promotes a number of benefits to the patient's life, such as:
- According to Viviane, surgery helps to increase the airways and also a better lip sealing, allowing better breathing;
- The expert also highlights the improvement of the gastrointestinal system, because, with surgery, the patient can better chew food, facilitating digestion in the stomach;
- Improvement of self-esteem, as there is an aesthetic improvement of the smile and the region of the face with the operation;
Types of surgery
There are two types of surgeries that can be done according to the needs of the patient. See what they are:
Cross correction
According to Walter Antônio Nascimento de Souza, Professor of Surgery and Traumatology, Anhanguera Santana Dentistry course, this type of surgery is expansion, where there is the procedure of expanding the jaw to adjust the occlusion.
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Combined Surgeries
The teacher explains that in this type of surgery there is a correction of transverse changes, in which there is a correction of the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) to improve occlusion (closing position of the mouth).
Other questions and details about surgery
There are a number of other details that must be observed before and after surgery so that you can have a good surgical and healing process, ensuring that you will have the best pre and postoperative possible.
Do you need to get away from normal activities?
One thing you should know beforehand is how long you will have to stay away from certain activities to recover from surgery. According to surgeon VIviane Naddeo, the rest should be one month and the patient will remain with a device that will only be removed according to the opinion of professionals involved in treating the patient.
What precautions should be taken preoperatively?
Viviane underscores the need for the patient to undergo all preoperative examinations before surgery in order to make sure he is in good health for the procedure. "Preoperatively, the patient should have already had the following tests: blood, urine, heart and radiographic examinations of the face, dental arch and chest".
The patient should be hospitalized three hours before the operation and fasted for at least eight hours.
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What care should be done postoperatively?
The postoperative period is more delicate and requires more care by the patient to avoid complications. Viviane states that the patient should rest (even if not absolute), because there is a risk of clots or thrombosis; redoubled oral hygiene with soft bristle surgical brushes; Avoid sun exposure and weight gain and avoid blowing your nose for at least 7 days.
Walter, professor at Anhanguera Santana, also includes liquid diets (preferably cold foods) as care; use the medications prescribed by doctors and always return to the scheduled appointments.
How old can surgery be?
According to Walter, the surgery requires that the patient has reached bone maturity. Only in extreme cases can this surgery be anticipated.
What is the average value of the operation?
It should be remembered that, for those who cannot afford it, the SUS costs the complete surgery. Most health plans also cover this procedure.
Are there any contraindications?
The professor states that patients with tumors and severe systemic diseases cannot have surgery. Viviane adds that the procedure is not indicated for patients with impaired bone metabolism, patients with mental disabilities (due to the postoperative period, cannot assimilate the recommendations, etc.), severe blood dyscrasias, diabetics, severe heart disease, irradiated patients. and patients on chemotherapy.
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Orthognathic surgery can be a great health and aesthetic gain for you who want to improve your quality of life.
How Jaw Surgery is Performed (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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