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