| nathic surgery involves correcting conditions of the jaw | | | | advances. The newest being an internal distraction |
| and face, usually related to structure, growth, or to | | | | osteogenesis device designed to help grow new bone |
| assist in orthodontic treatment. Bones in the jaw area | | | | to lengthen the jaw. The device works below the skin |
| are cut and realigned, and held in place with plates and | | | | by lengthening the bone after a cut is made in the |
| screws. | | | | bone to create a new growth center. The bone is |
| One of the most common questions from people | | | | gradually pulled apart so that new soft bone develops |
| facing this type of surgery is: | | | | and then calcifies. This device provides an |
| How long does it take for the bone to heal after jaw | | | | improvement in the marketplace because most |
| surgery? | | | | devices in existence are external to the skin and |
| That answer can vary widely depending on the | | | | present problems with traction scars and pain. Internal |
| extensiveness of the surgery, and how well the patient | | | | devices are less painful and obvious. |
| responds to the surgery. Typically, it takes 6 to 8 | | | | Whatever procedure you choose, ultimately it should |
| weeks for initial healing of your jaw, and 3 to 4 months | | | | be about getting the desired results. Start by finding a |
| for a full recovery. The most common complication | | | | doctor you are comfortable with, and has the |
| following jaw surgery is numbness in the face and jaw | | | | credentials to make you feel at ease. With the help of |
| area, due to nerve damage. The numbness may be | | | | the Internet, it's easy to find a list of top, qualified |
| temporary, or (more rarely) permanent. | | | | doctors in your location. Once you have your list in |
| It is possible to experience some pain and pressure | | | | hand, call several centers and make appointments. All |
| immediately after surgery. For the first 10 days or so, | | | | reputable centers will offer you a no cost consultation |
| simply attempting to move your jaw side to side with | | | | to get to know the staff and the doctors before you |
| slow movements should be enough jaw exercise. | | | | schedule your surgery. |
| Remember, during this time, your jaw will still be soft | | | | Make sure you communicate regularly with your |
| and moveable. You should not do any type of | | | | surgeon, and understand the procedure, including |
| exercise or sports that may impact your jaw. You | | | | recovery time. Be up front with your desires, and let |
| should also avoid any stressful activity that may cause | | | | him know if you have any concerns or requests. The |
| you to clench your teeth. | | | | time to ask questions is before the procedure. |
| Like other forms of plastic surgery, orthognathic | | | | Remember, the better informed you are, the easier the |
| surgery procedures have seen a variety of medical | | | | process will be. |