Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to reposition the jaws. This type of procedure can drastically improve the shape of the face to bring harmony to the facial features. It can correct bite issues, alleviate pain, and treat TMJ disorders. 

Dr. Sukhdeep Dhaliwal, Dr. Paul Greenawalt, Dr. Thomas Curran, and Dr. Douglas Baasch offer jaw surgery for patients in Silverdale, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard, WA. We will see you for a consultation at any of our office locations and perform surgery in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. To learn about this life-changing procedure and how it can improve your life, contact Kitsap Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery today to schedule an appointment.

Do I Need Orthognathic Surgery? 

Jaw surgery can correct a number of oral and maxillofacial conditions, and is an excellent treatment option for many patients. When the jaws are not positioned properly, it can result in other health problems, such as sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. If you experience any of these conditions, orthognathic surgery may be right for you: 

• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• Facial pain
• Frequent headaches 
• Chronic pain in the jaw joint, or TMJ
• Problems sleeping or signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Open bite
• Breathing problems

These symptoms can exist at birth or can be developed throughout life. Some patients who experience pain or discomfort find temporary relief using night guards, sleeping masks, or other non-surgical methods. However, correcting the issue at its source will provide optimal long-term results.  

The Jaw Surgery Process

Orthognathic surgery is performed after you have completed orthodontic treatment, with exception to small remaining adjustments. You will still have your braces on when undergoing jaw surgery. After surgery, braces will help reposition your teeth to their correct places now that the jaws have been adjusted. We perform orthognathic surgery at our local hospital under general anesthesia. Some trauma cases involving broken jaws can be treated in our office, but complex cases are treated at the hospital.

During the procedure, your oral surgeon will surgically align the jaws and secure them in place using plates or screws. After the surgical procedure, your orthodontist will use braces to align the teeth now that the jaws are in their proper place. Many patients are fully healed and out of their wires/bands in 8 weeks.

Each of our offices use advanced 3D imaging technology to show you exactly how your surgery will be performed and what to expect. With this technology, we can also show you how your bite will improve and what you will look like after surgery.

Most incisions are made within the mouth, resulting in minimal or no scarring. You will be given detailed instructions that outline what to eat, how to maintain proper oral hygiene, and how to have an overall smooth and speedy recovery.