Face and Jaw Surgery Center

The initial consultation is an essential aspect of any oral surgery procedure. This first meeting gives patients an opportunity to learn about the procedure to come and provides them with valuable information concerning how to best prepare for the surgery. It also gives the oral surgeon the chance to assess the patient’s situation and to determine the most effective solution to any problems he or she may have.

Important Information for Your Surgeon

In order to prevent any foreseeable risks or complications, your oral surgeon will ask for some important details, including the following:

• Present state of health, including any current or recent illnesses or major medical conditions. These may include diabetes, heart valve or joint replacements, high blood pressure and any other condition that affects your health.
• A list of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are currently taking. This helps the oral surgeon determine if there may bean adverse reaction to pain killers or antibiotics provided after the surgery.
• A detailed description of any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in relation to your oral health, as well as how long you have been feeling this way.
• Any drug allergies you may have.
• Any previous adverse reaction to local or general anesthesia.

Important Information for the Patient

During your consultation, your oral surgeon may need to conduct an evaluation of your current oral health situation in order to formulate a fitting treatment plan. Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays of the mouth or head, may be taken if they have not been delivered to the office by your regular dentist.

Depending on the nature of the surgical procedure in question, your surgeon may provide you with a choice regarding anesthesia. The majority of oral surgery patients tend to select general anesthesia rather than local, as this allows them to essentially sleep through the procedure. T

he patient feels nothing during the surgery and must be provided with oxygen until he or she wakes up. Your surgeon will discuss with you the pros and cons of both types of anesthesia as well as the recommended course of action in reference to your particular procedure.

Risks and complications will be discussed as well, as oral surgeons wish to fully inform their patients of all pertinent information before scheduling a surgical procedur

e. Preparation measures will be delineated in full so that you know precisely what is expected of you on the day of your surgery. For example, if your surgeon requests that you arrive with an empty stomach, you may benefit from scheduling your appointment in the morning if at all possible. This is a common request, as some patients become nauseous during surgery. Your surgeon may also require that a competent, adult driver be present to accompany you home after your surgery.

What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation

If you have undergone x-rays with a different dentist, arrange to have them sent to your oral surgeon’s office. This will expedite the consultation as well as decrease expense. It is also helpful to bring a complete list of any medications you are taking along with their dosage and how often you take them. Insurance information, of course, is very important and should be readily available as well.

The consultation with your oral surgeon ensures that the entire surgical process and recovery period go as smoothly as possible. Be sure to take this opportunity to ask your surgeon any questions you may have concerning the surgery, aftercare, cost and results. Call to schedule your consultation today.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, NDoffice

Fargo, NDoffice

Grand Forks, NDoffice

Minot, NDoffice

Following any type of oral surgery, patients must adhere strictly to a specific aftercare regimen in order to avoid complications and to decrease recovery time. Because each case is different and every patient has a different tolerance for discomfort after surgery, the following is intended solely as a set of guidelines for oral surgery patients. If, at any point after your procedure, you feel that your recovery is not progressing as it should, it is strongly recommended that you contact your oral surgeon immediately for professional counsel.

 Directly After Surgery

Because your gums, tongue, cheeks and lips may be completely numbed by local anesthetic, it is important that you take special care to avoid injury to these areas during the first few hours after surgery. Be mindful of the fact that very hot foods and beverages may cause burns that you cannot feel, so it is best to ingest only cool, soft foods until sensation has completely returned.

In addition, remember that the numbed areas of your mouth are very close to the sharp and rough contours of your teeth. A bite that you may not feel immediately may prove to be serious, so it is suggested that patients keep speech and eating to a minimum during the first few hours after the procedure.

 The First 24 Hours After Surgery

It is normal to experience some bleeding and excess salivation after oral surgery. As long as bleeding is not severe, the following methods should help to alleviate the problem:

• Avoid hot food and beverages
• Do not rinse with mouthwash or water, as this may dislodge any necessary blood clots or keep them from forming properly
• Do not put pressure on the sides of the face
• Get plenty of physical rest and avoid strenuous activity
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or drink anything from a straw

Though some bleeding after surgery is to be expected, there are ways to minimize this issue. A small, clean gauze towel made of cotton can be rolled up tightly and placed directly over the surgical site. Avoid cotton balls or tissue, as these materials often stick to the wound and cause irritation.

Moderate pressure exerted by the jaws can help to stop or lessen bleeding. If, after three 15 minute periods of continuous pressure, the wound continues to bleed, a call to the oral surgeon should be made.

If, at any time, bleeding becomes extremely heavy and does not respond to these techniques, contact your surgeon immediately. Excessive bleeding is not normal after the first 24 hours and may indicate a more serious problem.

The Second Day After Surgery and Beyond

After the initial 24 hours has passed, the surgical site may be gently washed with a solution of warm salt water up to four times per day, preferably after meals. A single teaspoon of salt added to eight ounces of warm water provides an ideal rinse that helps to prevent infection and irritation.

If your surgeon has prescribed pain medication, it is usually advisable to take this with food to avoid nausea. If you have been given no prescription painkiller, over-the-counter ibuprofen may help to reduce swelling and discomfort during the first three to four days after surgery. After this period, pain and stiffness should be at a minimum, depending on the extent of your oral surgery procedure. More specific aftercare information will be provided at your consultation or on the day of your surgery.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, NDoffice

Fargo, NDoffice

Grand Forks, NDoffice

Minot, NDoffice

Facial and oral trauma incidents are some of the most common and most serious external injuries sustained, largely due to their proximity to the brain, brain stem and spinal cord, as well as to the immense concentration of nerve endings in the mouth and face.

In the case of sudden oral or facial injury, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult a licensed medical professional as soon as is feasible in order to undergo a complete evaluation. Even if you feel fine following a moderate blow to the mouth or face, it is possible that internal damage has been done and will not become apparent for a few hours to a few days.

Types of Serious Facial and Oral Injuries

The following types of facial and oral injuries should be considered severe and require immediate medical attention, often provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:

• Teeth that are forcibly removed in any way
• Lacerations of the face
• Lacerations within the mouth
• Fractured facial bones, including the nose, eye socket or cheek bones
• Fractured jaws, upper or lower
• Severely torn lip or nasal cartilage

Common Causes of Facial and Oral Trauma

The causes of maxillofacial trauma number in the hundreds, but the most frequently cited are as follows:

• Slips and falls at home or on the job
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Injuries sustained while playing or observing sports
• Domestic abuse or other interpersonal fighting
• Work-related hazards
• Playing rough (especially in children between the ages of 7 and 18)

First-Aid Treatment of Oral or Facial Injury

On the way to the nearest emergency room or oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s facility, it is important that an injury of this nature be tended in a particular way and as immediately as possible. For example, if a tooth or multiple teeth are knocked out or otherwise removed, they should be quickly placed into a solution of salt water or a cup of milk and brought to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s facility for reinsertion. The sooner that the doctor can replace the tooth into its socket, the more likely it is that it will remain there. If the tooth does not survive, however, an implant can take its place. It is crucial that the patient not attempt to clean the tooth or remove the ligaments that are attached to it, as these are critical in reattachment.

In the event of a fractured nose, cheekbone, jaw or eye socket, it is important to get to an emergency facility as soon as possible, but simple first-aid may diminish swelling. Apply a cold compress, taking care to avoid direct contact between ice and skin. If lacerations are present, cleanse the entire area carefully with a sterile gauze pad and appropriate antiseptic. Allow to air dry unless the cuts are bleeding, in which case pressure should be applied to slow the flow. If stitches are necessary, the surgeon will take extensive measures to reduce the amount of scarring to ensure an aesthetically pleasing result.

The rehabilitation of facial and oral trauma patients is only one of the specialty practices of experienced, licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Their training and expertise affords them the ability to approach even the most difficult cases with confidence and allows them to transform the lives of their patients for the best.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

GrandForks, ND office

Minot, ND office

What is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain refers to a variety of unpleasant physical sensations involving the muscles, bones or joints of the face and mouth. Common symptoms of orofacial pain include, but are not limited to, a dull or sharp pain around or behind the eyes, a nearly constant ache deep in the jaw; clicking or locking of the jaw; persistent headaches and pain while chewing, speaking or swallowing. Any of these symptoms, whether present alone or in conjunction with others, are sufficient cause for concern and should be evaluated by a licensed medical/dental professional.

What are the Causes of Orofacial Pain?

There are many known causes of orofacial pain. The following are some of the most commonly cited of those causes:

• Migraine headaches
• Involuntary muscle spasms in the head, jaw or neck
• Complications following certain surgeries
• Missing teeth
• Uneven bite
• TMJ pain
• Excessive tooth decay or gum disease, resulting in bone loss
• Injury to the face or jaw
• Bruxism (grinding or clenching of the teeth)

Orofacial pain includes a broad range of categories within itself, each of which includes an array of complex subcategories that must be examined before a definite diagnosis can be made. For example, the idiopathic category includes subcategories of atypical odontalgia, a form of facial neuralgia that is recognized as an accepted clinical condition. When a patient experiences this condition, moderate to severe pain is typically felt in the maxillary molars, though nothing can be found to be wrong with the teeth or the gums. The pain may be the result of nerve problems or a deeper psychological issue, and is therefore difficult to treat.

In the musculoskeletal category, patients experience pain that arises from problems with muscles, bones and joints, particularly those involved in the mastication process. Spasms and involuntary grinding cause intense discomfort day and night while advanced TMJ sufferers endure unending pain and often find their jaws locked in either an open or closed position.

How is Orofacial Pain Treated?

Because orofacial pain is so varied in the ways that it afflicts different people, it must be evaluated and treated on a case-by-case basis. An assessment must be carried out to determine the nature of the individual problem before a diagnosis is made. X-rays, models of the mouth and jaws and computerized analysis will all assist in formulating an effective treatment plan, all of which is explained in thorough detail to the patient prior to any initiating any procedures.

While initial pain relief is, naturally, of utmost importance in orofacial pain treatment, the correction of the underlying problem is of equal significance. Your oral surgeon will need to ensure that any issues that cause the pain are corrected in order to prevent the return of any discomfort in the future.

Orofacial pain can, over time, develop into a debilitating condition that prevents you from enjoying your daily life to its fullest. Schedule your consultation today to speak to a professional oral and maxillofacial surgeon and begin your path to a freer, pain-free life.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

Most oral cancer cases require some form of surgery before radioactive treatment may be administered. This primary surgery may involve the removal of a portion of the tongue, the inner part of the cheek, the mouth floor or, in particularly advanced scenarios, a portion of the mandible (lower jaw).

Reconstructive Surgery After Cancer Removal

Reconstructive oral surgeons work to restore the areas that are in need of repair after primary surgery has been performed and the cancerous cells have been eradicated. This is done in a variety of ways and depends on the specific type of primary surgery executed, but usually includes the use of one or more of the following:

• Flaps of tissue (synthetic, donor or from patient)
• Bone grafts
• Metal or plastic prosthetics

Benefits of Reconstructive Surgery Following Oral Cancer

Life after cancer is difficult enough for every survivor without having to face difficulty speaking and chewing. Oral cancer patients often find, after surgery and recovery, that they are unable to speak, chew, swallow or breathe as well as they could before their procedure. Reconstructive oral surgery makes all of these things possible again, as well as gives many patients a sense of self-confidence that may have been lost due to disfiguring cancerous tumors or to primary surgeries.

Soft Tissue Transfer

When a patient’s tongue, gums or cheeks require reconstruction to any degree, a soft tissue transfer may be necessary. A microvascular tissue transfer involves the harvesting of soft tissue and attached blood vessels from a remote location on the patient’s body, such as the leg or chest. The tissue is attached at the site of the surgery, where it gradually assimilates into its surroundings, thereby allowing the patient to eventually chew and speak more comfortably and normally.

Bone Transfer

In advanced cases of oral cancer, a portion of the mandible may have to be removed. In this case, a bone graftmay be necessary if, for any reason, a prosthetic piece is not preferred by patient or surgeon. The bone graft and microvascular tissue transfer are performed in a similar manner, though in the case of the graft, the bone assimilates and develops more slowly than does the tissue.

Dental Implants

Depending on the nature of the oral cancer and the primary surgery that followed, dental implants may be necessary in order to replace lost teeth after the cancer has been completely removed. Even a few missing teeth may greatly affect the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly, and a great number of missing teeth may potentially lead to psychological distress and self-image issues.

Dental rehabilitation should be taken as seriously by oral cancer patients as is reconstructive surgery, as both play crucial roles in overall health and well being. Dental implants look, perform and feel exactly like natural teeth and are permanent replacements that are anchored directly into the jaw bone. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will evaluate your case to determine the type of prosthesis that is right for you.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

GrandForks, ND office

Minot, ND office

Though research has shown that the majority of Americans do brush their teeth on a regular basis, or, in other words, twice per day, it has recently become clear that only one in ten of these individuals does so properly as is recommended by the American Dental Association.

When it comes to rising numbers in tooth decay and periodontal disease, the type of toothpaste used by most people does not appear to be the problem at all. On the contrary, it appears to be the type of toothbrush used, the frequency with which it is used, the length of time the patients spend brushing and the technique implemented while brushing that affect the outcome the most.

What’s Wrong with the Majority’s Technique?

One of the main problems seen in recent decades is that, when the overwhelming majority of individuals commit to brushing their teeth in the morning or at night, they do so in order to conform to societal expectations of what is considered to be normal or to maintain fresh breath rather than to prevent tooth decay. The prevention of tooth decay should be the top priority when it comes to brushing and flossing, as fresh breath will inevitably accompany a healthy set of teeth and gums.

The most common brushing mistakes that dentists recognize in their patients include the following:

• Using too much water during and after brushing, which dilutes the fluoride in the toothpaste
• Brushing too roughly or too softly, which can damage teeth, gums or fail to remove all debris and plaque
• Brushing side to side rather than up and down
• Failing to brush for long enough or often enough
• Neglecting to brush all the way down to the gum line
• Ignoring all surfaces of teeth, particularly the inside surfaces nearest the tongue and toward the back of the mouth
• Using a toothbrush that is too large or too small, or one that does not have the right type of bristles

Unfortunately, because brushing teeth is taught to us as children and repeated so often, day in and day out for years and years, the habit becomes so ingrained that we very rarely ever think about the process until a problem arises and we find ourselves consulting our dentists. Keeping common brushing mistakes in mind while engaging in this daily process is the only way to avoid potentially painful and costly consequences. If current generations are more informed of proper brushing habits by dental authorities, future generations will be more mindful as well and, therefore, healthier in general.

Consequences of Poor Brushing Habits

The obvious consequences of failing to brush teeth regularly are well-known to nearly everyone: cavities, gum disease and tooth sensitivity are common issues. In fact, recent studies show that one in five Americans has at least one untreated cavity and that half of those individuals are unaware of the fact that there is anything at all wrong with their teeth. In addition to the more commonly cited consequences of poor oral hygiene and improper brushing, there are a few more symptoms of which patients at risk should be aware:

• Increased plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar (this can only be removed by a professional)
• Gum recession with repeated intense brushing
• Staining of teeth in areas neglected by “pattern brushing” (always brushing the same places)

If you feel that you may have developed poor brushing habits, talk to your dental professional about ways to correct this process before it causes potentially permanent harm to your teeth and gums. Your dentist can help you find the ideal dental hygiene products and brushing process to fit your particular circumstances.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

Occlusion is the word that dental professionals use to describe the alignment of teeth and the manner in which the upper and lower jaws fit together. In an ideal occlusion, or bite, all teeth of the upper jaw would fit just barely over those of the lower jaw. However, an occlusion is not often perfect without some form of dental work.

What is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion, which loosely translates into “bad alignment” or bad bite, is a frequently hereditary condition that consists of an abnormal bite, overcrowded teeth or otherwise uneven jaws. Often called an “underbite” or “overbite,” malocclusion has a variety of causes, including the following:

• Birth defects, including cleft lip or cleft palate
• Unusually structured jaw (usually from birth)
• Use of pacifier or bottle beyond the age of three
• Tumors in the jaw and/or the mouth
• Missing, impacted or extra teeth
• Serious injury to the teeth or jaw
• Chronic sucking of the thumb or fingers during childhood
• Braces, retainers, crowns or other dental appliances that fit improperly

Types of Malocclusion

There are three major types of malocclusion. Class I is the most common type and is hardly noticeable. In fact, the majority of people have this type of malocclusion and experience no issue with speaking or eating normally. The bite is completely normal, as the teeth of the upper jaw slightly overlap those of the lower jaw.

In Class II malocclusion, also referred to as retrognathism, is commonly known as an overbite. The upper jaw markedly overlaps the lower one, making chewing difficult.

Class III is the rarest category of malocclusion and is referred to as prognathism, or underbite. The lower jaw juts out and the bottom teeth cover the upper teeth. This often causes the patient to experience a lisp when speaking and can cause problems with eating as well.

Risk Factors

Left untreated, moderate to severe malocclusion can lead to a wide variety of undesirable issues, including the following:

• Tooth decay due to the inability to brush teeth properly
• Cracked, chipped or worn teeth due to uneven bite
• Speech problems, particularly for children with underbite
• Sleep problems due to chronic mouth breathing
• Sores on inside of cheeks
• TMJ pain and/or headaches
• Abnormal appearance of the face

All of the above symptoms can be corrected or prevented with proper diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion.

Treatment of Malocclusion

Malocclusion may be treated by an orthodontist, though advanced cases may require further treatment. Head, skull and facial x-rays may be taken to determine the severity of the situation. A stone model of the jaw or teeth is frequently necessary as well. If surgical reshaping, also called orthognathic surgery, is required to lengthen or shorten the jaw, stabilizing screws, plates or wires may be placed. A set of wireless, clear braces, or aligners, may be used as well in order to further stabilize the teeth as the jaw continues to grow in younger patients.

While it is often easier to treat malocclusion of teeth in children than it is in older patients, it is never too late to consult your oral and maxillofacial surgeon regarding treatment. A  consultation will allow him or her to determine what type of treatment plan is best for your particular case.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

 Gum recession is one of the most common dental issues cited by patients 40 and older, though the condition may present itself as early as the teen years. Fortunately, receding gums are relatively easy to prevent and treat with a variety of oral and periodontal surgeries and related procedures.

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession, also known as gingival recession, is a dental condition in which the roots of the teeth are increasingly exposed due to one or more factors. These factors include retraction of the gums from the base of the tooth and a partial or complete loss of the gum tissue itself.

The exposed root area of a tooth is far more susceptible to damage and decay than is the harder enamel area above the natural gum line. Complications of extensive gum recession include increased risk of bacterial infection, decay and loss of teeth, an appearance of abnormally long teeth and heightened sensitivity to heat and cold.

Prevention and Treatment of Gum Recession

Healthy brushing and flossing habits, along with routine visits to a qualified dental professional, are crucial in the prevention of gum recession. Preventative measures are particularly emphasized in cases in which a patient is at higher risk for periodontal disease. If the cause of receding gums is found to be aggressive brushing, the patient is often advised to alter the brushing technique used and to begin using a toothbrush with softer bristles.

• Gingival Graft Procedures

When attached gum tissue is missing, a procedure called a gingival graft is often used to replace it. First, a small pocket is produced in the gum tissue directly adjacent to the tooth or teeth to be treated. The next step involves the harvesting of soft tissue from the roof of the mouth. This donor gum tissue is placed into the small pocket and, over time, reattaches itself to the exposed base of the tooth. With appropriate aftercare and routine cleaning, the gum tissue that generates in this area should feel and look entirely natural for an indefinite period of time.

• Alloderm Graft Procedures

If a patient’s case of gum recession is particularly severe and multiple graft procedures are required, a different type of tissue graft may be utilized. This type of procedure, called an Alloderm graft, does not implement donor tissue from the patient’s mouth. Instead, a donated amount of healthy, sterile tissue may be obtained from a tissue bank. This procedure is just as effective and successful as traditional gingival graft procedures that utilize tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Alloderm graft procedures are often preferred in cases in which the patient’s mouth does not offer an adequate supply of potential donor tissue.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office.

When an individual suffers a sudden trauma to the mouth or the face, the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial specialist is required in order to assess, diagnose and treat the injury. The extensive medical and dental education obtained by these specialized surgeons qualifies them to evaluate and repair damage to the mouth, jaws and face in a number of scenarios, including traumatic injury.

Injuries to the Face and Jaws

A wide variety of common facial injuries are sustained every day. These frequently occur at work, school, sporting events, recreational activities and a number of other situations. Some of the most common facial injuries treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons are as follows:

• Broken nose due to sudden impact, such as in a motor vehicle crash
• Fracture of the jaw
• Fractures of the cheekbones
• Damage to the bones surrounding the nose and eye sockets
• Dislocation of the jaw

Because the face is a relatively fragile part of the body, the bone and tissue structures that comprise it must be handled delicately and skillfully. Injuries to these areas of the face, if left untreated by a specialist, may lead to lasting pain and permanent deformity to the area affected. Trauma to the nose, jaws or teeth can drastically alter the ability to speak, eat and breathe normally, which can, in turn, affect long-term health.

Treatment by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

An oral and maxillofacial specialist’s education must include advanced trauma training. This experience provides him/her with the knowledge and qualifications necessary in order to treat all types of injuries to the face, including those that involve the gums, facial bones, teeth and the tissues that form the face in general.

In the event of a traumatic injury to the mouth, the surgeon must evaluate the damage to all areas, tissues and bones within the mouth. If a tooth or a number of teeth have been forcefully removed, as is often the case in sporting accidents and physical altercations, the surgeon will assess the patient using a variety of methods in order to diagnose the injury completely.

If this traumatic extraction of teeth results in a substantial dental bony defect, the patient will be treated accordingly, often with the use of distraction osteogenesis and bone and/or soft tissue grafting. This type of defect, if not addressed, may cause future deformities that permanently interfere with speech and the chewing of food.

The Importance of Immediate Repair of Facial Injuries

In recent years, research has shown a marked difference between the overall recovery of patients who received immediate professional care and those who chose to wait for weeks, months and even years following their injury. Regardless of the severity of any facial injury, medical and dental specialists strongly recommend that injured individuals seek professional attention immediately in order to avoid a variety of permanent defects, impediments and discomfort. An experienced and certified oral and maxillofacial professional is qualified to determine the scope and acuteness of such an injury and to prescribe a plan of treatment to follow as soon as is possible.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN.

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

The bones of the skull and jaw develop very gradually and continue to grow throughout adolescence and very early adulthood. Often, the growth process may be interrupted by one or a combination of external stimuli, causing the upper and lower jaw bones to develop at varied rates. This condition is referred to as unequal or uneven jaw growth.

Symptoms of Unequal Jaw Growth

It is possible that some of the symptoms of unequal jaw growth may indicate another condition, so it is important that the sufferer consult a qualified medical professional as soon as possible after symptoms are initially noticed. The following are commonly cited symptoms associated with unequal jaw growth:

• Slurred speech or the presence of a lisp
• Uneven bite, including an overbite or underbite
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
• Uneven appearance of the face, including a receding or protruding chin
• Compromised oral health, such as unevenly worn teeth
• Excessive snoring, mouth breathing or other sleep problems

Potential Causes of Unequal Jaw Growth

While there exist a number of causes associated with this condition, the most common are as follows:

• Injury to the face and/or jaw
• Birth defect
• Prior surgery to the face and/or jaw
• Improper growth, usually beginning in early childhood

A qualified and experienced maxillofacial professional should be consulted regarding the precise cause and duration of the condition.

Correction of Unevenly Developed Jaws

When this condition is allowed to continue without treatment, it may become worse with time. With the use of advanced orthognathic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are able to correct multiple problems by repositioning one or both of the jaws. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may be necessary or strongly advised that the patient follow a continued orthodontic regimen in order to correct uneven teeth as well.

The primary goal of orthognathic jaw surgery is to improve a variety of problems with a single surgical procedure. Following surgery, patients frequently find that speech is drastically improved, chewing and swallowing is noticeably easier and that they experience fewer instances of difficulty in breathing while asleep. Patients who have endured unequal jaw development for an extended period of time may find it helpful to consult a speech therapist after surgery in order to deal with learned speech mistakes influenced by the condition.

In cases in which the chin is visibly affected, whether protruding or receding, a corrective surgical procedure generally results in improved facial appearance and self-confidence overall.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN.

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office