Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 4/30/2004

Question
Dear Dr.Teig, thanks alot for finding time to answer my question.
I am a 25 year old man with prognathism, which is congenital and not due to acromegaly, dentists advised me to get an operation done to correct it, cosmetically it bothers me, but i got no problems with eating.
Is this operation safe, as i was told it will involve breaking the jaw bone, and is there is any complications?
Thanks alot
Regards
Sami  

Answer
Sami -  usually with prognathism there is minimal functional problems and cosmetics are the most common reason for proceding with treatment.

The surgery, if performed by a qualified board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a very straight forward procedure.  When well planned and performed by knowledgable surgeons is very safe.  Breaking of the jaw is not really the procedure, but an exact sectioning at predetermined points.

Complications: bleeding, swelling, some pain for a few days, rare but possible numbness of the lower lip are the main potential complications, but all are rare.

Good luck and find a surgeon who takes the time to explain the procedure and gives you an idea of what your jaw will look like after the surgery.