What to Expect During Oral Surgery: Anesthesia, Comfort, and Recovery
Oral surgery doesn't have to be stressful. Learn how we prioritize your comfort with safe anesthesia options and a smooth recovery plan.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): What Patients Should Know
A misaligned jaw can affect how you chew, speak, breathe, and sleep. Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized procedure that repositions the upper or lower jaw to correct these functional issues.
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi, board-certified surgeon Michael R. Nichols, DMD, MD, provides advanced, personalized care for patients who require jaw surgery. We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure your procedure is safe, precise, and highly effective.
Why consider corrective jaw surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is about much more than changing your appearance. It focuses primarily on restoring proper function to your mouth and face. Jaws that don't align correctly can cause chronic pain, difficulty chewing, and even breathing issues such as sleep apnea.
Fortunately, modern surgical techniques have made this procedure safer and more predictable than ever before. A study of 674 patients who underwent corrective jaw surgery found that the total complication rate was just 4.3%.
That highlights how reliable and safe the procedure has become for adults seeking relief.
How digital planning improves your results
We plan your orthognathic surgery with incredible precision before you ever step into the operating room. Through computer-aided surgical simulation, we can map out your entire procedure in a virtual 3D environment.
Using 3D digital planning and printed guides can reduce preoperative planning time from 6-8 hours to 15 minutes while achieving jaw alignment accuracy within 1 millimeter. This level of precision helps us customize your treatment to your exact facial structure.
What to expect during recovery
Many patients worry about a long, painful recovery, but modern techniques have greatly improved the healing process. We now use rigid internal fixation, which involves tiny plates and screws to hold the jaw stable, rather than wiring the jaw completely shut.
That means you can speak and eat soft foods much sooner after your procedure. You may still experience some swelling and temporary dietary changes, but our team supports you through every stage of your recovery.
You can expect to attend follow-up appointments after your procedure so Dr. Nichols and the team can monitor your recovery. A return to normal chewing function may take a couple of months.
If you struggle with jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or an uneven bite, orthognathic surgery could change your life. To find out if you're a candidate, contact our office in Flowood, Mississippi, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nichols.
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