Introduction
Jaw surgery is an extensive and critical procedure carried out to correct conditions related to face structure, growth and also removing cleft palates along with other minor and major jaw related medical conditions. Bones can either be cut or re-aligned to change the shape of the jaw or held in place with screws or plates. Moreover, the desired face trend proposed by the media also incorporates jaw surgery as a form of cosmetic surgery, to increase beauty and appeal. The connection between restructuring of the jaw and dental issues has been established by renowned researchers, but this information is mostly not provided before the patient undergoes jaw surgery.
History
Jaw surgery also referred to as orthognathic surgery was coined by Dr. Harold Hargis (D.M.D.). Europe has always been the center of progress for jaw surgery, whose development is divided into three distinct phases. During the first phase jaw surgery actually gained research and development significance in USA during 1966, and ended upon the end of World War I, where focus shifted to trauma surgery instead. During this very phase there was little concentration in Europe upon jaw surgery. The second phase was between the two World Wars, where again slight development took place because there was concentration on other critical forms of surgery; especially that related to facial injuries. The concentration on trauma surgery was not perceived as an inhibition towards the development of orthognathic surgery, but it helped in the application of universal surgery procedures. The third phase (early 1950s), was a period rapid advancement in this field of study. In 1954, two famous doctors namely Caldwell and Letterman invented a new technique for reducing trauma faced after jaw surgery. Throughout this phase and even in following years a large concentration was laid upon dentofacial procedures which involved restructuring of the complete jaw line. The years ahead were lined by further improvement in techniques and knowledge regarding this procedure.
Features
Dental pain and tooth aches had not clearly been stated as side effects of the jaw surgery procedure Side effects included jaw pain, numbness, swelling and severe nausea. It was after patients reported back to the doctors, that it was actually discovered that jaw surgery is correlated with tooth aches. Patients reported back stating that no amount of pain killers seemed to fix this problem, and with the passage of time it only aggravated even further. Researchers carried out surveys and extensive research, upon which they realized that lower and upper jaw surgery causes lower and upper dental pain respectively. The reason for this was stress on the nerve endings and muscles around the jaw, putting pressure over the tooth area. The teeth closer to the operated area seemed to be more painful and affected. Hence, there is a positive established relationship between these two phenomena. Doctors advised patients to carry out regular jaw moving exercises after recovery, to reduce dental pain, along with prescribing appropriate medicines for pain elimination.
Tips and Comments
Recent research has shown that chewing gum at regular timed intervals showed to significantly improve the likelihood of pain reduction. Jaw surgery tends to put stress on the mouth since, it’s shaped is altered majorly. With time, getting used to the new shape and structure will lessen the pan. Therefore, one must essentially be patient for complete healing and follow doctor’s orders religiously.
