Upper jaw expansion surgery
Surgery to expand the upper jaw
A solution for a narrow or small upper jaw
SAME (Surgically Assisted Maxillary Expansion), also known as upper jaw expansion surgery, is a dental procedure Dr. John Doe performs on patients who have small or narrow upper jaws. In conjunction with orthodontic treatment, this procedure helps to make more room for your upper teeth in your mouth.
Orthodontists and patients usually plan the surgery together.
The procedure for enlarging the upper jaw
A private hospital in which Dr. John Doe operates on your upper jaw is accredited. General anesthesia is applied by an anesthetist during surgery.
An expansion appliance must be inserted into your upper jaw after a cut is made. Your upper jaw opens gradually by increasing its size over several weeks after the appliance is inserted. After the device has expanded to the appropriate level, it is left in your mouth until the bone has healed.
When you have healed completely, you may begin orthodontic treatment.
Recovery from upper jaw expansion surgery
Hospital stay: It is likely that you will have to spend the night in a hospital after surgery.
Pain relief: An anesthetist will prescribe you intravenous analgesia, which can be self-administered with a button, to treat pain while you’re in the hospital. Pain medication such as Nurofen® or Panadiene® will usually keep you comfortable within 24 hours of the operation.
Work/school: You should take 1 to 2 weeks off.
Stitches: The most common type of stitch is the dissolving stitch. Over the course of one to two weeks, they gradually dissolve.
Diet: For the first two weeks following surgery, you should consume only soft foods (without straws).
Follow-up care: During the jaw expansion process, you’ll need to see your orthodontist periodically and have your jaw expanded by Dr. John Doe. To maintain proper oral hygiene, you should use a soft toothbrush and rinse your mouth with salt water while the device is in place.
During your initial consultation, Dr. John Doe will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions. Following these instructions carefully will give you the best chance of making a quick recovery. A general explanation of post-op and patient care is available on the Post-operative and Post-Patient Care page.
Complications that may occur
In most cases, complications associated with upper jaw expansion surgery are rare if you’re having the procedure conducted by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition, you should be aware that all surgeries will have some potential risks and complications, and these include:
– Numbness and tingling caused by nerve damage
– Infection
– Changes in the nasal cavity
– A worsening of your tempromandibular (jaw) joint
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. John Doe is highly skilled and experienced. If you have any questions or concerns about your upper jaw expansion surgery, you can ask him – he’ll take the time to answer you and address your worries appropriately.
This comprehensive guide explains the procedure of upper jaw expansion surgery.