Your mouth and smile are affected by more than just your teeth. Your teeth are connected to your jawbone and thus are affected by its shape and positioning. Improper placement of the jaw not only leads to an awkward appearance but also leads to challenges with eating, breathing, and talking. Jaw reconstruction surgery at Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona can fix your jaw, improving both its function and your facial structure.
The procedure entails repositioning different parts of the jaw, depending on your particular problem, by cutting the bone, moving the specific parts to where they need to be, and then fastening everything back together with titanium screws and plates. It is a major operation and requires general anesthesia.
Who Benefits From This Surgery?
You may need your jaw reconstructed if you live with any of the following:
• Missing teeth that have caused your bone to atrophy and weaken
• Difficulty biting, chewing, and swallowing
• Space between your upper and lower teeth when your mouth is closed (an open bite)
• Asymmetrical facial structure
• A protruding jaw or underbite
• A receding chin – also called a weak chin or overbite
• Lips that can’t touch without straining
• Facial injury or birth defects
• Persistent mouth breathing
• Sleep apnea
Why Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona?
Our surgeons, Drs. Michael W. Golding and J. Gregory Sabol, are board-certified and experienced. They also use an innovative medical technique that utilizes a special protein called recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (RH-BMP2). This protein causes your jaw to regrow bone that has your own genetic makeup and the same molecular structure as your existing bone. It eliminates the need for synthetic materials or grafts from other bones in your body. The result is a stronger, more durable jaw that won’t weaken again and can support your teeth. It also allows you to get dental implants, necessary for using prostheses to replace any missing teeth. The cherry on top is finally having the balanced look you’ve always wanted.
How Do You Start the Process of Jaw Reconstruction?
If you suffer from any of the problems associated with the need for reconstructive surgery, the first step is to call our Phoenix or Tempe office and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced maxillofacial surgeons to determine if you would benefit from this operation. Our surgeons take the time to discuss your treatment options with you and work to find the right solution for you. We want you to look and feel your best, and we can help!