Jaw Surgery Specialist

Michael R. Nichols, DMD, MD

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon & Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgeon located in Flowood, MS

If your jaws are misaligned, or your bite is malpositioned, consider jaw surgery. At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi, in Flowood, Mississippi, Michael Nichols, DMD, MD, and the team specialize in corrective jaw surgery. Using advanced tools and procedures, they can address various imperfections, including underbite, overbite, broken bones, and weak or prominent chins. To schedule an appointment, book online, or call the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff today.

Jaw Surgery Q&A

What is jaw surgery?

Orthognathic, or jaw surgery, is a group of procedures used to correct the symmetry and structure of your jaw. This type of surgery is particularly beneficial if you have crooked teeth or a jaw misalignment that won’t respond to traditional orthodontics like braces and retainers.

What types of problems can jaw surgery correct?

The team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi uses jaw surgery to correct various problems, including:

Bite problems, like underbite, overbite, or crossbite
Conditions that negatively affect your facial symmetry
Pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
Congenital conditions like a cleft lip and palate
Breathing problems like sleep apnea and mouth breathing

You might also benefit from jaw surgery if you have a visible skeletal deformity like a weak or prominent chin. Jaw surgery can correct all of these issues, restoring balance and symmetry to your face.

What are the types of jaw surgery?

The team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi offers several types of jaw surgery, including:

Corrective jaw surgery

Corrective jaw surgery addresses an improper bite or malpositioned jaw. It’s performed under general anesthesia at a local hospital. Following the procedure, you stay in the hospital for several days. After treatment, you wear braces for between six and 12 months.

Cosmetic jaw surgery (genioplasty)

Genioplasty is a type of cosmetic facial surgery used to improve the physical appearance of your jaw line. During this procedure, the team repositions and reshapes your chin to promote balance and facial symmetry.

Jaw surgery for sleep apnea

If you’re living with sleep apnea, and oral appliances or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) don’t relieve your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. During jaw surgery for sleep apnea, the team repositions the bones in your upper and lower jaw to increase the size of your airway. This procedure occurs in a hospital and requires an overnight stay.

Distraction osteogenesis

If you have a severe craniofacial abnormality, the team might recommend distraction osteogenesis. This relatively new type of jaw surgery uses a device called a distractor to slowly extend the length of your jawbone. Distraction osteogenesis occurs on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home following your procedure.

Is jaw surgery safe?

Jaw surgery is safe and usually well-tolerated. The length of your recovery depends on the type of surgery you undergo and the severity of the issues being treated. To ensure a quick, complication-free recovery, attend all of your follow-up appointments and closely adhere to the team’s recovery instructions.

If you experience significant pain, swelling, or any other unusual symptoms, call the team immediately to schedule a checkup.

To see if you’re a candidate for jaw surgery, request a consultation at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff today.