If you're considering jaw surgery or have already had it, you might be wondering, "Can jaw surgery fail?" This is a common concern for many patients, especially given the complexity of the procedure. While jaw surgery generally has a high success rate of 90-95%, there is a chance it might not go as planned. Problems like improper healing, infection, or misalignment can occur, leading to less-than-ideal results.Â
In this blog, we'll explore what causes jaw surgery failure, how often it happens, and what you can do if you suspect something has gone wrong.
What Is A Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that fixes irregularities in the jaw bones. It helps improve jaw alignment, facial appearance, and overall function.
Types Of Jaw Surgeries
- Maxillary Osteotomy: It corrects problems with the upper jaw, such as overbites, crossbites, or open bites.
- Mandibular Osteotomy: It targets the lower jaw to fix underbites or improve alignment.
- Genioplasty: Focuses on chin deformities, often correcting a receding chin.
- TMJ Surgery: It relieves pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which may not address alignment but focuses on joint problems​.
Need For Jaw Surgery
A Jaw surgery may be required to correct problems like
- Severe misalignment
- Trauma (such as fractures)
- Congenital jaw deformities
- Sleep apnea,Â
- Speech problemsÂ
- Chewing difficulties
Why Does A Jaw Surgery Fail?
Jaw surgery failure means that the intended outcome of the surgery wasn't fully achieved or complications arise after the procedure. This can happen if the bones don't heal properly, the jaw shifts back to its original position, or there are problems with how the teeth and jaw align.
Signs or Symptoms of Jaw Surgery Failure:
Ongoing Pain or Discomfort:
If you still have pain in your jaw or around the surgery site after the initial healing period, it might be a warning sign. Pain that doesn't get better or gets worse over time could mean there's an issue with how the bones are healing or possible nerve damage.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking:
If you continue to have trouble chewing food or speaking clearly after your jaw has healed, it may mean the alignment is still off. This can affect how your teeth fit together, leading to discomfort during daily activities like eating.
Swelling or Infection:
While some swelling is normal immediately after surgery, if it continues or worsens weeks later, it may point to an infection or other complications. Infections can slow down healing and might need treatment with antibiotics or more medical help.
Jaw Misalignment After Recovery:
If your jaw shifts back out of place after healing, it might mean the bones didn't heal together properly or that the plates and screws used in surgery didn't keep the jaw in place. This can cause your bite to shift, which can lead to discomfort and functional problems.
Can Jaw Surgery Fail?
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, generally has a high success rate, between 90% to 95%. Most patients report improvements in both function and appearance after the procedure.Â
However, individual outcomes can vary based on factors like the complexity of the case, the skill of the surgeon, and adherence to post-operative care.​
Factors That Increase the Risk of Failure
Several factors can raise the chances of complications or failure after jaw surgery:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Patients with conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders may have slower healing processes, increasing the risk of complications.
- Smoking: Smoking can interfere with healing and blood flow, raising the risk of infection and other complications.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Lack of proper oral care can lead to infections, which may affect recovery and overall results.
- Complexity of the Procedure: More complicated surgeries, like those involving significant jaw realignment or multiple procedures, may have higher risks compared to simpler surgeries.
- Age: Older patients may experience longer recovery times and an increased risk of complications due to factors like reduced bone density.
Can Jaw Surgery Be Corrected If It Fails?
If jaw surgery doesn't work as planned, there are ways to fix the problems with revision surgery. This can mean moving the jaw to the right position again, changing how plates or screws are set, or even trying a different surgery altogether. The exact steps depend on why the first surgery didn't succeed, like if the jaw is still misaligned or if there were complications during the initial surgery.
Other post-operative treatments can help improve outcomes in addition to revision surgery. These may include -
- Orthodontic care to realign teeth,
- Physical therapy to strengthen jaw muscles
- Pain management strategies.Â
Work closely with a dental team to create a comprehensive plan according to your needs.
How to Prevent Jaw Surgery Failure
- Importance of Choosing a Skilled Surgeon: Choose a well-qualified and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to avoid jaw surgery failure. Surgeons with extensive training and a good track record can significantly reduce the risk of complications​.
- Following Post-op Instructions (Diet, Rest, etc.): After surgery, it's essential to follow the care guidelines given by your doctor, which include eating the right foods, getting plenty of rest, and going to follow-up appointments. Proper care during recovery helps the jaw heal well.
- Managing Infections or Complications Early: It's essential to look for signs of infection or other complications and address them quickly.
Takeaway
The answer to "Can jaw surgery fail?" lies in the fact that most jaw surgeries have a high success rate, but failure may occur due to various factors, including the surgeon's skill, post-operative care, and management of complications. Knowing the risks and taking steps for a good recovery can help ensure a better outcome.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you're considering jaw surgery or need more information about its risks, contact Arlington Dental Excellence and meet our team in Arlington, VA. Request an appointment by calling (703) 420-3253 for new patients or (703) 525-0157 for all other callers. You can also visit us at 3801 Fairfax Drive, Suite 54, Arlington, VA.