A healthy bite and properly functioning jaws are essential for proper eating, speaking, and breathing. Proper jaw alignment also improves facial symmetry, which contributes to higher self-esteem. At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our board-certified oral surgeons perform orthognathic surgery to improve the oral health, function, and aesthetics of the jaws.
Dr. Salin, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Semanoff, Dr. Nack, and Dr. Kosakowski use the latest technological advancements available to create detailed surgical guides for orthognathic surgery and achieve predictable, life-changing outcomes. If you struggle with a bad bite, chronic facial pain, or are interested in seeing how jaw surgery can benefit you, contact our practice in Feasterville, Newtown, or Abington, PA.
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is necessary when the upper and lower jaws do not align, or when the teeth do not properly fit within the jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws develop at different rates. Birth defects or facial injuries can also cause misalignment that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. If you or your child experience any of the of the following conditions, jaw surgery may be recommended:
If you experience any of these symptoms and wish to explore your treatment options, we invite you to contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. The results of jaw surgery are life-changing and undergoing this treatment will significantly improve facial aesthetics and jaw function for life.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training and are the most qualified dental professionals to perform corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgeons are trained on how to safely administer anesthesia, including general anesthesia, which is used for orthognathic surgery. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology and stays at the forefront of advancements in oral surgery. With this advanced technology, we can take comprehensive three-dimensional scans of the oral and maxillofacial regions, plan every detail of complex procedures, and show you how your bite and face will improve after surgery.
To ensure our patients receive the highest level of care possible, every oral surgeon at our practice is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. By achieving and maintaining this certification, our surgeons are committed to lifelong learning, staying current in their knowledge and skills, and ensuring patient health and safety.
During your first visit, we will evaluate your jaws and oral health and determine if jaw surgery is right for you. Using 3D scans, your oral surgeon will create a custom plan for your needs and walk you through each step of your care. Jaw surgery is a collaborative effort between your oral surgeon and your orthodontist. We will work closely with your orthodontist to create your treatment plan and coordinate your surgery timeline. In most cases, you will wear braces before your procedure to prepare your teeth and jaws.
We perform jaw surgery in a hospital using general anesthesia, which will render you unconscious during the procedure. You will be unaware of the procedure and will not feel any pain. To prepare you for undergoing anesthesia, we will provide you with pre-operative instructions that ensure your safety and readiness for the anesthesia experience.
After the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make incisions intraorally so there are no visible scars. If it is necessary to make incisions outside of the mouth, your surgeon will do so along the lower jaw so that scars are not visible. Your surgeon will shape or cut the bone as necessary, move it into its new position, and secure it in place using plates or screws. Incisions are closed with sutures and you will rest in the hospital for several days.
It can take several months to recover from orthognathic surgery, but you can expect to return to work or school in about 2 weeks. Most of the obvious swelling will reduce around 2 weeks post-operatively, but it may take up to 2 months for residual swelling to disappear. The final results, once the nose and cheek bone areas have adjusted and all swelling has gone away, will take about 6–8 months.
As you heal, your orthodontist will adjust your braces to align your teeth with the new position of your jaws. Expect to wear your braces for about a year, although this time may be longer if you have other orthodontic issues. The total length of treatment time for jaw surgery, including oral surgery and orthodontics, may take several years. However, you will enjoy better oral health, oral function, and improved self-esteem from this treatment for the rest of your life.
We offer a variety of choices to ensure a comfortable oral surgery experience.
If you have been referred for jaw surgery or wish to explore your treatment options for misaligned jaws, contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment. Our board-certified surgeons offer jaw surgery in Feasterville, Newtown, and Abington, PA. We will explore your treatment options, design a custom care plan, and ensure you have an outstanding oral surgery experience.
Dental implants are designed to last for the rest of your life. The post fuses to the jaw bone and as long as you take good care of your implant, it will serve you for many years. To maintain good oral hygiene, simply brush and floss it along with your other teeth twice daily.
By using anesthesia and sedation, we can ensure your comfort during oral surgery. You can expect some level of discomfort following any type of procedure, but this post-surgical pain or swelling will subside quickly. Your implants will not cause pain or discomfort after they have healed.
Oral surgeons place dental implants because this procedure often involves oral surgery and anesthesia or sedation. General dentists can administer local anesthesia and perform some surgery, such as simple tooth extractions, but oral surgeons are specially trained to place dental implants and safely administer all forms of anesthesia.
Missing teeth can lead to jaw bone loss and gum recession. Nearby teeth can shift into the open gap, which can result in bite misalignment and misalignment. As the jaw bone deteriorates, it can cause facial features to sag, resulting in an older-looking appearance. Severe jaw bone loss may require extensive and costly repairs, which can be avoided by replacing missing teeth with implants early.
For over 50 years, we have had the privilege of serving our communities with the highest level of oral surgery care. We love what we do, and we look forward to providing you and your loved ones with an outstanding patient experience and incredible results.
Administered through a syringe, a local anesthetic numbs only the surgical site. The effects can last up to several hours. We often pair local anesthesia with another type of anesthesia or sedation.
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. It provides mild sedation and pain relief and is often combined with other options, such as oral sedation, for optimal effect.
General anesthesia will render you totally unconscious. This option is reserved for complex surgeries such as orthognathic surgery or facial reconstruction.
Your surgeon will inject the sedative into the vein, which will render you into a semi-conscious state. Also called twilight sedation or twilight dentistry, this option is ideal for extensive procedures or highly anxious patients.
