Aesthetic Reconstructive Jaw Surgery and Dental Implants Blog

Jaw Surgery Singapore: What Are the Risks?

bigstock-Dentist-And-Assistant-Checking-35884303-2Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is done to correct poor jaw alignment, resizing or reshaping the jawbones. Improper jaw alignment can cause conditions that include overbite, underbite and cross bite. Depending upon their severity, these conditions can cause functional problems, including poor biting and chewing efficiency, excessive wear and/or decay in teeth or the inability for the mouth to close naturally. Aesthetic issues are also common with misaligned jaws, such as a receding chin, protruding chin or an elongated lower jaw, spoiling facial harmony. With jaw surgery, Singapore oral and maxillofacial surgeons can correct these issues – but what are the risks of jaw surgery?

Jaw Surgery Singapore: The Basics

Corrective jaw surgery is typically done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment – performed in most cases both before and after the actual surgical treatment. During jaw surgery, Singapore oral surgeons will surgically reposition one or both of a patient's jaws to correct jaw alignment. This involves making incisions – which is done inside the mouth in most cases to minimize facial scarring – to provide the surgeon access to the jawbone. Then, bones will be cut in order to resize or reshape them as necessary. Once the jawbones have been properly shaped and positioned, they will be secured in their new position, most frequently with titanium plates and screws. This surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and generally requires a short hospital stay.

Risks Of Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for the functional and aesthetic problems that can occur with improperly aligned jaws, and serious complications are uncommon. However, as with any surgery, there is some risk of both short and long-term complications.

Potential short-term risks of jaw surgery include:

  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Anesthesia reactions.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Tooth damage.
  • Temporary numbness or tingling in the face, generally occurring in areas that can include the chin, nose, lips, cheeks or tongue.

Possible long-term risks of jaw surgery – or complications that may persist for 12 months or more – include:

  • TMJ disorders.
  • Nerve damage that can result in permanent loss of sensation at or near the chin, nose, lips or tongue.
  • Poor aesthetic outcomes.
  • Recurrence of the original jaw disorder.

While it is important to be aware of the possible risks of jaw surgery, Singapore patients should keep in mind that serious complications are rare. For the vast majority of patients affected by jaw disorders, the benefits of the procedure in resolving functional and aesthetic issues far outweigh the risks.

cosmetic jaw surgery singapore

 

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think

Subscribe by email

Email subscription