Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Who needs orthognathic surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Kintz, Dr. Dingman and Dr. Bezak use modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Drs. Kintz, Dingman or Bezak will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
What to Expect
- Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation and weeks of postoperative recovery.
- The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
- Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
- Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
- The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
- Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
function may take one year. - Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
- Weekly appointments may be required for up to two months after surgery.
Oral Surgery Associates
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
absolutely the best oral surgery experience anyone could ask for.
- Janet G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff. I had Dr. Bezak and he was very personable and kind. He did a fantastic job with the surgery. I would recommend OSA to anyone.
- Keara V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Confident, that is how I feel about this procedure. Prepping for an implant, and I am sure that will be a breeze. I hope to not need OSA again, but if I do, I will be confident that I will be taken care of.
- Michael H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Kintz is amazing! My daughter first saw him 10yrs ago for 2 extractions at the age of 6yr. old. Last week she had all 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed. He has the best bed side manner and is so friendly. He put us both at ease and did a wonderful job. She was in quite a bit of pain the next day due to the depth of her top wisdom teeth, and who called me back after leaving a message with the emergency staff...... none other than Dr. Kintz himself. He goes above and beyond and you feel it from the first meeting. He is exceptional!!!!
- Stephanie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My father was the patient and was referred over to Dr.Kintz. I just wanted to let everyone at your office know what a great environment you have and how friendly everyone was. I also work in healthcare and unfortunately people hear more about the bad than the good. Huge thank you to everyone and especially Dr.Kintz for squeezing my father in to have the actual extractions done today.
- Ema C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Kintz is the best! Very gentle, very patient, and super kind. I have had extractions and implants. I wouldn’t go to any other doctor.
- Noelle H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you to all of the staff at Oral Surgery Associates, you are all very informative, by answering any and all questions. You are understanding to the patient and their concerns and that life happens. I thank you all very much for everything. I will highly recommend you to anyone!
- Stephanie F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
DR. KINTZ IS THE GREATEST. HE IS SO GENTLE AND HAS GREAT BESIDE MANNER.
- Tiffani J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My appointment was for a dental extraction, which was my initial preference versus undergoing root canal and crown procedures. But unbeknownst to me, the extraction was a high risk proposition due to my currently rather complex health condition. Yet, without objection or elaboration, two general dentists I had earlier consulted had independently asserted that the extraction was understandable and presently doable, but definitely should be performed by an oral surgeon. In later preparation for the extraction, however, Dr.Kintz immediately recognized certain risks associated with the extraction at this particular time, and after promptly conversing with the second dentist I had consulted, strongly advocated having a dental specialist (endodontist) perform an immediate root canal procedure as the best present action to be taken. He explained that doing the extraction now could possibly result in significant consequences that ought to be avoided if at all possible. I greatly appreciated Dr. Kintz's unhesitating professional and ethical assessment of this situation and the advice rendered in reversing my initial intentions. His recommendations were unequivocally endorsed and successfully performed the same day by a highly regarded dental specialist to whom I was referred.
- Ron N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would not think twice about having these guys help you out. They are great
- Wendy Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very impressed with the new office, since I have had appointments at the previous location in the past. The new building is so clean & modern! I love the décor and all the modern updates....it's very high tech. I have also been extremely happy with the care I have received from Dr. Dingman and his staff. The procedures relating to my extraction and implant were a bit anxiety inducing but I quickly found that there was no need to be anxious. Dr. Dingman made me feel very comfortable and I had little to no pain & no complications. My follow up appointments have been thorough, but at the same time, quick & easy. I appreciate all the staff at Oral Surgery Associates for all their help & care during my implant process & I love, love, LOVE the new office!
- Carrie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was super impressed with the new office! So light & airy. The new building is so clean & modern!. I love that the reception area is very open now and there's no longer separation from the reception staff with the "government building type" glass window. The staff is very polite and I have always felt comfortable & well taken care of by the doctors & nurses. Having a tooth extracted and going through the implant process can be stressful. It was definitely made easier with the capable & polite staff and the great NEW facility.
- Carrie W