What Happens During Jaw Surgery? - Dr. Priyadarshini Banerjee
Jaw surgery can sound intimidating, but understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and prepares you for a smooth experience. This step-by-step guide explains what happens during orthognathic surgery, so you know exactly what to expect on your journey to a balanced, functional jaw.
Step 1: Pre-Surgical Preparation
Before surgery, you’ll undergo:
- Comprehensive consultations to evaluate your jaw and bite
- Orthodontic treatment to align your teeth properly
- Imaging like X-rays and 3D scans to plan precise bone movements
This preparation is crucial for surgical success.
Step 2: Anesthesia and Initial Setup
On surgery day, you’ll receive general anesthesia to ensure you’re fully unconscious and pain-free.
Your surgical team prepares a sterile environment, and the surgeon reviews the plan once more.
Step 3: Making the Incisions
Surgeons usually make incisions inside the mouth to avoid visible scars. Depending on your condition, the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both will be targeted.
Step 4: Repositioning the Jaw Bones
The surgeon carefully cuts the jawbone and repositions it to improve alignment and facial symmetry. Plates and screws are used to secure the bones in their new positions.
Step 5: Closing the Incisions
After the bones are fixed, the surgeon closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches inside the mouth.
Step 6: Recovery Room and Immediate Post-Op Care
You’ll be monitored in recovery until you wake up fully from anesthesia. Pain management and swelling control begin immediately.
Step 7: Hospital Stay and Early Recovery
Most patients stay in the hospital for one or two days. During this time, the medical team monitors your vital signs, manages pain, and advises on diet and oral hygiene.
Step 8: Returning Home and Follow-Up Care
Once discharged, you continue recovery at home with:
- Soft or liquid diet for several weeks
- Avoidance of strenuous activities
- Regular check-ups to monitor healing and adjust orthodontics if needed
Final Thoughts: What Jaw Surgery Can Do for You
Jaw surgery is a life-changing procedure that improves function and appearance. Knowing each step prepares you mentally and physically, easing fears and ensuring a smoother recovery.
Dr. Priyadarshini Banerjee’s expert care and personalized approach make the journey comfortable and successful for patients across Pune and India.
