Jaw growth is a gradual process, and in some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Jaw injury or birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. This results in chewing and speech difficulties, long-term oral health issues, and undesirable facial aesthetics. Orthognathic surgery or jaw surgery in Pickerington, Columbus, and Westerville, OH, is often required when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Manraj Bath, works in collaboration with orthodontists to create the best surgical and bracing approach to correct severe malocclusion. If you have serious malocclusion or an incorrectly positioned upper, lower, or both jaws, jaw surgery at The Ohio Center for Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery may be necessary to reposition your jawline and resolve your issues.
Before considering jaw surgery, Dr. Bath will perform a comprehensive consultation, including a thorough exam, review of your dental history, and diagnostic imaging.
This visit is an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of your treatment options. Once you understand the risks, steps involved, and benefits of jaw surgery, you can make an informed decision with our team about the best path forward.
Using computer-guided simulations, Dr. Bath plans your jaw repositioning procedure with extreme precision. This can involve repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both.
If you’re working with an orthodontist, we’ll align our timeline with your orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics before jaw surgery involves the use of braces to move teeth into ideal positions so they’ll fit correctly after your jaws are surgically repositioned.
Surgery, as outlined in the surgical treatment plan, typically takes about 3–5 hours, depending on the type, with double-jaw surgeries taking longer. Most surgeries require a 1–3 day hospital stay, and in the first 12–24 hours, you’ll be carefully monitored in an ICU/step-down setting.
A nutritionist will provide you with a customized diet plan tailored to your caloric needs. When you’re discharged, you’ll be given appropriate prescription medications to minimize discomfort and prevent infection. Dr. Bath will contact you to see how you’re doing the day after discharge.
Depending on how you feel, you should be able to return to work or school 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. For more complex surgery, the initial healing phase can last 6 to 8 weeks, while complete jaw healing can take 9 to 12 months.
Our goal is to ensure you’re well taken care of during and after surgery, so you’ll schedule weekly visits for up to 2 months after surgery. In addition, Dr. Bath will provide his cell phone number and is always available to take your calls should an issue arise before your scheduled follow-up visit.
Six to 9 weeks after surgery, Dr. Bath will refer you back to your orthodontist to start the postsurgical phase of your orthodontic treatment. After corrective jaw surgery, orthodontic treatment usually takes 6 months to complete the final adjustment of your bite.
Long-term considerations include maintaining oral function, practicing good oral hygiene, and, if needed, working with a speech therapist. Dr. Bath may recommend specific exercises to help regain strength and mobility in your jaw. It’s also important to monitor how your bite feels as long-term healing progresses and note any changes that may require further assessment.
At The Ohio Center for Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we use advanced techniques, modern computer-aided techniques, and 3D models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, Dr. Bath can show you how orthognathic surgery in Pickerington, Columbus, and Westerville, OH, will improve your bite and facial aesthetics.
If you require jawline surgery for TMJ dysfunction or sleep apnea, Dr. Bath has proven expertise treating these challenging and often debilitating conditions. Entrusting a highly experienced oral surgeon for orthognathic surgery ensures optimal outcomes for the most complex cases, shorter surgeries, and less time under general anesthesia.
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