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Some patients require jaw surgery to correct a painful or debilitating condition, while others opt to see an oral surgeon for this procedure to improve their appearance. Dr. Greg A. Roberts Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery performs all types of corrective jaw surgery for patients in and around Ogden, Utah.
Also known as orthognathic surgery, corrective jaw surgery can improve many conditions, including those surrounding biting, swallowing, and speaking.
Biting Problems
Having a misaligned bite can cause a number of problems, including an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease as well as tinnitus and difficulty sleeping. It can also increase the potential for tooth grinding, which can wear down teeth and cause headaches and jaw pain.
Dental professionals often seek to correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites with orthodontia. In some cases, this is successful. But orthodontia can only do so much.
With oral surgery for these conditions, the oral surgeon moves either the upper or lower jaw, or both. The jaw(s) might be adjusted forward or backward, rotated or repositioned.
Swallowing Problems
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is quite common and can cause significant pain as well as trouble opening the mouth wide enough to eat. It can also cause problems swallowing, also known as dysphagia.
TMJ sufferers generally seek help for the severe headaches and jaw pain that are often the result of this condition, but TMJ can cause other issues as well. Untreated TMJ can result in permanent damage to the teeth and even arthritis of the jaw.
Dentists often try other therapies for TMJ first, but if these are unsuccessful, they often refer patients to an oral surgeon for TMJ surgery.
Both biting and swallowing problems can lead patients with misaligned jaws to avoid eating certain foods, which can impact their diet and health.
Speech Problems
Some jaw issues, such as a palate that is too narrow, can impact a patient’s ability to speak clearly. Misaligned or malformed jaws can make the pronunciation of sounds such as f, s, d, t, and th difficult to articulate.
Problems with the soft palate can further affect the amount of air the comes through the mouth when speaking, diverting it through the nose and giving the speech a nasal quality.
Other issues with the shape of the mouth can also affect airflow and the ability to close the mouth. This can cause a host of symptoms including dry mouth, cracked and peeling lips, bacterial growth, bad breath, and an increased chance of dental decay.
Oral Surgery for Accidents
While many jaw issues are congenital, some are caused by trauma, such as automobile accidents, physical altercations or sports injuries. In these cases, our oral surgeon can evaluate your condition to see what can be done to reconstruct your jaw and get you back to your previously healthy condition.
Oral Surgeon in Ogden
Jaw problems are many and far-reaching, but you don’t have to suffer. Call today and make an appointment with Dr. Greg A. Roberts Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for a consultation for corrective jaw surgery.