Getting the Best Out of Your Jaw Surgery | Orland Park Oral Surgeon

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People understand the importance of being healthy, exercising, eating well, and seeing their doctor regularly, but jaw alignment is rarely considered when it comes to overall health. A misaligned jaw can negatively affect your chewing function, your speech, your long-term oral health, and your appearance. Occasionally, orthodontic treatment can correct this problem. However, if the problem is more advanced and not addressed properly, it may cause periodontal disease, loss of orthodontic movements, jaw joint problems, and poor or even disastrous facial appearance, which may require oral surgery.

Orthognathic surgery, also called jaw surgery, corrects irregularities in the jawbone. The jaws and teeth are realigned to improve facial appearance and function. The surgery can correct dental and skeletal irregularities and improve eating, chewing, and speaking for patients. Additionally, the procedure may also enhance a person’s appearance. Functional issues resulting from jaw problems can be fixed with orthognathic surgery.

There are a number of conditions that can be successfully treated with corrective orthognathic surgery, including: 

  • Problems chewing, swallowing, or biting food
  • An injury to the face
  • An unbalanced facial appearance from the front or sides
  • Malocclusions (bite problems) caused by underbites or severe overbites
  • Joint pain or TMJ
  • Sleep Apnea
  • An open bite, a protruding jaw, or a receding chin
  • Congenital defects, including cleft palate
  • Mouth breathing

What is involved in surgery?

Prior to surgery, orthodontic braces are required to move your teeth into a new position. Upon completion of this phase of orthodontic treatment, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will reposition the jawbones according to your needs. You may need bone to be added, removed, or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaw in place. Most incisions are made inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring. However, in some cases, small incisions may be required outside of the mouth.

Surgery recovery

The recovery process can vary in length and difficulty depending on your personal situation and the level of correction needed. The majority of patients can expect to return to normal life within 1 to 3 weeks following surgery.

Risks of Orthognathic Surgery

Surgical procedures always carry some risk. Here are some of the common complications associated with orthognathic surgery.

  • Bleeding issues
  • Infection
  • Nerve injury
  • Jaw fracture
  • Possibility of jaw relapse
  • The need for root canal therapy on selected teeth

The orthognathic jaw surgery procedure is complex and requires special training and skills. If you require any type of jaw surgery, you should seek advice from an oral surgeon. Schedule a consultation with our oral surgery office today to learn more about the best treatment plan for you.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Diabetes and Your Oral Health | Downers Grove Oral Surgeon

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Diabetes affects almost 26 million people in the United States. It affects every part of your body, including your mouth. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience oral health problems. Oral surgeons are fully aware of the increased risks associated with patients who have diabetes. Here’s what you need to know.

The effects of diabetes on oral health

High blood sugar is linked to diabetes and oral health problems. Having poorly controlled blood sugar can result in poor oral health. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections in the mouth. A person with diabetes should constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in saliva promote the growth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to infection, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Research has also shown that gum disease can damage your glycemic control, so you are more likely to develop diabetes and are less likely to maintain your health.

Symptoms to watch for

A diabetic may be at a greater risk of developing oral or periodontal problems, which can lead to bone loss requiring oral surgery. See your dentist regularly and watch out for the following symptoms:

  • A fungus that infects the mouth, known as oral thrush,
  • An unpleasant taste or smell is caused by bad breath.
  • Gums that bleed easily because they are tender and swollen 
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth ulcers or sores
  • Experiencing discomfort while chewing

How diabetes may affect your oral surgery

  • Blood sugar levels can delay the recovery process after oral surgery.
  • It can affect your body’s ability to regenerate bone tissue by affecting the hormones that regulate how calcium and phosphorus, which are needed for bone building, are metabolized in the body.
  • In some cases, diabetes may affect the success rate of a dental implant.

Here are some tips on preventative care.

When you have diabetes, there are several ways to take care of your oral health. According to your physician’s recommendations, you can reduce the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to by managing your blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends using toothpaste that contains an anti-gingival or antibacterial agent to protect your gums. Furthermore, you should see your dentist two times a year. Be sure to floss regularly to avoid gum issues, as this can lead to bone loss. If you lose bone tissue, you may require a bone graft, a procedure that requires oral surgery.

We suggest a consultation with our oral surgeon if you have concerns about your oral health and possible bone loss due to diabetes. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467