Treatments and Services

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department consists of several clinics that provide specialized care for oral and facial conditions requiring surgery.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also commonly known as jaw surgery, is a group of surgical procedures that correct misaligned jaws and teeth. They aim to improve facial appearance, function, and oral health. 

This type of surgery indicated for conditions such as malocclusion (misaligned bite), jaw asymmetry, facial deformities, difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, and/or treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

The treatment typically involves the following steps:

• Preoperative planning: Orthodontists and surgeons work together to develop a treatment plan that addresses the patient's needs. CT scans, and technological advances like computer simulations and virtual surgical planning are used to formulate patient-specific treatment plans. 
• Surgery: Incisions are made in the gums or face to access the jaw bones. These bones are placed to their new positions, and secured with titanium screws or plates.  
• Postoperative care: Patients will need to wear braces and follow post-surgical instructions to ensure proper healing and alignment. Recovery from orthognathic surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure.  Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks.

There are different types of procedures depending on the specific jawbones involved: 

• Maxillary surgery: Correction of the upper jaw
• Mandibular surgery: Correction of the lower jaw
• Bimaxillary surgery: Correction of both the upper and lower jaw

Additional procedures to improve nasal breathing or facial cosmetic enhancement can also be performed during orthognathic surgery. 

TMJ Surgery

TMJ surgery is usually considered when conservative and non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and bite adjustments, fail to relieve symptoms or when there is a specific indication for surgery to be the initial primary treatment modality.

• Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure where the joint is flushed with fluid to reduce inflammation. Medications targeting specific disease processes may also be injected into the joint using this modality.
• Arthroscopy:  An arthroscope (surgical device with camera) is inserted into the joint through small incisions. The scope allows the surgeon to visualize and treat joint problems, such as a displaced or torn cartilage. Laser treatment of inflamed tissues can be provided with this type of surgery.
• Arthroplasty: This is an open joint procedure which involves a larger incision to access the joint directly. Procedures include removal or repositioning of the displaced/damaged disc, or surgery on the bony surfaces of the joint
• Joint replacement: The affected joint is replaced with artificial components. There are two kinds of joint replacements currently available in the USA and are approved by the FDA: Stryker TMJ Concepts, which is a patient-fitted device, and Zimmer Biomet, which is a stock device.

Candidates for TMJ surgery typically are those with severe and persistent pain, limited jaw mobility, significant joint damage, and failure of conservative treatments. The recovery time vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Most invasive TMJ surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

In addition, our department offers the below treatments and services.