If jaw problems make eating or speaking difficult, you’re in constant pain or if you have a condition that severely impedes the function of your jaw, you might need jaw surgery.
Here’s a more in-depth look at when jaw surgery is required.
Improper Bite Due to Bone Structure
Retainers, braces, and tooth extraction are the first methods to consider for bit problems. However, if your teeth are severely misaligned or your bite is misaligned due to your jaw bone structure, surgery may be a better solution. Jaw surgery can correct the following bite problems:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
Protruding, Receding, or Asymmetrical Jawline
When the upper and lower jaws don’t align, this means the bones developed more in some areas than others.
- If your lower jaw protrudes, you may have mandibular hyperplasia (overdevelopment of the lower jaw) or maxillary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the upper jaw).
- If your lower jaw recedes, you may have maxillary hyperplasia (overdevelopment of the upper jaw) or mandibular hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the lower jaw).
- An asymmetrical jawline can result from several developmental syndromes that limit growth on one side of the jaw or cause overgrowth in certain areas.
All of these conditions require recontouring or surgery.
Facial Trauma and Injury
If you break your jaw or damage your teeth and gums in a sporting injury, car accident, or another traumatic event, surgery may be the best option for restoring jaw functionality.
Chronic Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge between the upper and lower jaws. You can feel the joint by placing a finger in front of your ear and opening your mouth.
If your jaw locks or feels painful when you open your mouth wide, you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
At Mission Oral Surgery, your comfort is our first priority. In severe situations, jaw surgery may be necessary to restore jaw function and eliminate your pain.
Find Out if Jaw Surgery is Required with Help from Dr. Goos and Dr. Edwards
If jaw problems make eating or speaking difficult, or you’re in constant pain, set up a consultation with us. We’ll review your medical and dental history, examine your teeth and explain whether we think jaw surgery is required to correct the problems you’re facing.
There’s no need to suffer from jaw problems when you can pursue oral surgery to set things right. Schedule your consultation with Mission Oral Surgery by contacting us online or calling our office at (403) 244-3678 today.