Consultation
The first visit usually involves:
- Medical history review: symptoms, dental or jaw pain, injury details, lifestyle, and previous dental treatments.
- Physical examination: evaluation of facial symmetry, jaw movement, oral cavity, and bite alignment.
- Diagnostic tests: X-rays, CT scans, or 3D imaging to assess bone structure, teeth positioning, and soft tissues.
Process of the Procedure
Depending on the condition:
- Minor procedures: Tooth extraction (including wisdom teeth), drainage of oral infections, or soft tissue biopsy — often done under local anesthesia.
- Common surgeries: Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), facial fracture repair, TMJ surgery, cyst or tumor removal, and facial reconstruction. Most major surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, sometimes using computer-guided or minimally invasive techniques for precision and faster recovery.
Recovery & Post-Operation
- Minor procedures → return to normal activities within 1–3 days.
- Jaw or fracture surgery → recovery typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on complexity.
- Reconstructive or TMJ surgery → may require 6–8 weeks for full healing and function.
Post-op care includes:
- Pain and swelling management with prescribed medications.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and a soft or liquid diet during early healing.
- Avoiding strenuous activity and smoking.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing, remove sutures, and assess jaw function.
