As defined by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery is a surgical procedure that corrects the jaw and face-related injuries. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform orthognathic surgery to improve a patient's appearance and correct functional problems related to the upper or lower jaw. The conditions that may require orthognathic surgery include difficulty chewing and swallowing, chronic jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, receding chin, protruding jaw and sleep apnea. Complications can arise from orthognathic surgery.
Swelling
Orthognatic surgery can result in several treatable complications. Swelling is one of the prominent complications from orthognathic surgery, as enumerated by Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Patients can decrease swelling to a great extent by placing ice on the sides of the face. Intraoral swelling can be reduced by rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. Patients can also apply external heat using heating pads or warm compresses to help soften and reduce the swelling. If swelling persists for more than four days, however, patients should seek medical advice from a physician. Swelling may take days to six months to resolve completely.
Loss of Sensation
Loss of sensation is a possible complication that patients may experience after undergoing orthognathic surgery. Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons describe this loss of sensation as numbness or tingling, mainly at or near the chin, nose, cheek or tongue. Normal sensation returns to the affected area when nerve fibers regenerate and heal, which usually takes a few months. In some individuals, the possibility of permanent sensation loss in affected areas remains, however.
Bleeding
Bleeding is one a common complication after orthognathic surgery, states Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Orthognathic surgery performed in the upper jaw may result in nasal bleeding because blood accumulates in the sinus areas. Most of the blood drains down from the back side of the throat. In cases of severe bleeding, patients will need emergency care.
Infection
Infections are common complications that may present after any type of surgery. Orthognatic surgery is no exception, states the University of Oulu. Infections may be acute, chronic, local or general. Infection results from the invasion of bacteria such as streptococci. Some of the factors that can lead to infection include use of steroids, age of the patient, duration of the surgery, dehydration of surgical wounds, smoking, diet and the presence of foreign bodies. Physicians treat minor infections with the prescription of antibiotics, but patients with severe infection may need hospitalization.
Relapse
In any surgical procedure, the possibility exists that an error can occur that leads to a relapse. Relapse refers to the recurrence of a particular condition after some period of time. The University of Oulu reports that relapse is an unpredictable complication of orthognathic surgery. Relapse after orthognathic surgery requires further surgical intervention.
