Orthognathic
(Corrective Jaw) Surgery Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Orthognathic (Corrective Jaw Surgery) Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Patients whose teeth and jaws do not meet correctly may be good candidates for orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery, a complex surgical procedure that involves moving the bones of the lower and/or upper jaw by either shortening or lengthening them, moving them up or down, or in or out in order to create a proper bite. Additional benefits that will occur following orthognathic surgery include improved chewing and joint function ability, corrected sleep apnea, improved periodontal health, improved speech, and more pleasing facial aesthetics.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about corrective jaw surgery, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296- 3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Corrective Jaw Surgery Procedure Expectations
Due to the complex nature of the surgery, corrective jaw surgery will be conducted with a team of professionals, consisting (most typically) of your oral surgeon, orthodontist, general dentist, and/or periodontist. Prior the procedure, your periodontist will take a complete examination using diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT, MRI, and computer video imaging to create a 3D model of your unique bone structure.
Once the necessary information is gathered and a treatment plan is decided upon, your procedure will begin with administration of sedation. The specifics of the surgery will depend on your particular case, but will typically involve moving your teeth and jaws to a new position to improve the health, functionality, and aesthetic appearance of your smile. Once the surgery is complete and the jaws have been properly aligned, orthodontics will be placed to ensure the continued alignment of your teeth.
Corrective Jaw Surgery Candidates
Patients who have jaws that are incorrectly positioned or an improper bite may be good candidates for corrective jaw surgery. Issues related to the jaw can happen for a variety of reasons, either due to genetic predisposition or injury during a critical period in jaw development. If the issue of an improper bite is caused by the teeth alone, orthodontics can typically correct the issue; however, if an improper bite is caused by misalignment of the jawbones, it may be necessary to have corrective jaw surgery.
If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, you may be a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery:
- Open bite
- Difficulty biting, chewing, and/or swallowing
- TMJ, which can result in headaches or pain in the jaw joint
- Sleep apnea
- Receding chin and/or lower jaw
- Imbalanced facial appearance
- Worn away enamel
- Protruding jaw
- Mouth Breathing
- Difficulty speaking
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Misaligned chin, nose, and jaw
These symptoms can be genetic, the result of environmental influences, or develop due to facial trauma.
Corrective Jaw Surgery Aftercare
The specific aftercare instructions following corrective jaw surgery will vary from patient to patient and be informed by the intensity and invasiveness of your procedure. One of the most important parts of aftercare is taking your prescribed medication as instructed. You will likely be given antibiotic medication to reduce the risk of infection as well as a steroid to reduce swelling and inflammation. Pain can typically be managed through over-the-counter medication or prescribed painkillers.
It is common to experience swelling following your corrective jaw surgery. To help reduce this swelling, place ice packs over the affected area for 30-minute intervals. Pain medication, NSAID, and steroids will also help reduce the swelling. It is also common to have some mild bleeding from your nostrils and surgery wounds for the first 48 hours.
During the recovery process, you will need to stay on a clear diet (broth, light juice, water, etc.) and will gradually begin to introduce full liquids. As you begin returning to your normal oral health routine, you will want to use a baby toothbrush to clean your teeth, being careful to avoid touching the incisions. Patients who have upper jaw surgery will also need to avoid blowing their nose or sneezing for the first two to three weeks.
Corrective Jaw Surgery Cost
The cost of having corrective jaw surgery will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts CareCredit, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office or you can apply online at www.carecredit.com.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for corrective jaw surgery, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!