Generally, most patients look to avoid surgery of any kind. However, there are times when it is recommended to “bite the bullet” and have the procedure done. Jaw surgery, in particular, can be daunting, but a surgery done in the careful hands of the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute can provide you with a huge improvement in the quality of life. There are a few key situations in which jaw surgery is highly recommended.

 

TMJ Suffering

 

Standing for the temporomandibular joint disorder, TMJ can be an agonizing condition that can be treated with surgery as a last resort, to great effect. The condition causes pain and tenderness, and, if left unchecked, it can even cause your jaw to lock, making it difficult to open and close your mouth, as well as to chew. While most cases of TMJ can be treated nonsurgically, persistent cases can see massive benefits from surgery.

 

Orthodontics

 

Oftentimes, jaw surgery is performed in coordination with other orthodontic treatments to correct severe issues with the jaw alignment. These can be both aesthetic and functional issues that get treated by surgery. Examples of this include an open bite, which is a space between the top and bottom teeth, even when your mouth is closed, protruding jaw and a receding lower jaw. Braces are sometimes used in the course of treatment both before and after surgery, to keep everything moving and ensure the most positive result.

 

Respiratory Ailments

 

There are even times when jaw surgery may be recommended for certain breathing conditions that can actually be a result of structural defects within the jaw. One common example is sleep apnea, a problem that plagues millions of Americans. In some instances, the breathing obstruction can be remedied by a surgical procedure that will open up the airways and allow restful sleep without the aid of a CPAP or other device. Another example is chronic mouth breathing, which can be caused by an issue with the structure of the jaw as well.

 

There are a plethora of possible reasons as to why one may need jaw surgery. Although it can seem like an intimidating surgery, in certain cases, the benefits of jaw surgery will make it worth it. Discussing any conditions that may be improved by such a surgery with Dr. Shawn B. Davis can help you decide if surgery is the right option for you.