Learn about the risks and complications of jaw surgery

Jaw surgery is one of the dental procedures that is performed to correct jaw abnormalities, improve jaw function and facial beauty. However, like any other surgery, it has its own complications and challenges that should be considered before deciding to operate. Common side effects include pain, bleeding, and bruising. Also, some patients may have more serious problems such as nerve damage or limited jaw movement. In this article, we will take a closer look at the **complications of jaw surgery** and ways to reduce these problems. Stay with us to get more comprehensive information in this field. Are the side effects of jaw surgery dangerous? Due to the advancements made in the technology of jaw surgery and orthosurgery, most of the people go through this operation and recovery stages after the surgery without any special complications and achieve favorable results. But in some cases, the patient may face mild to serious complications, which can be managed to a large extent. Choosing a skilled surgeon and following post-operative instructions can help reduce risks and increase the success rate of the operation. What are the general side effects of jaw surgery? Our body naturally reacts to the changes that are applied to it through external factors. Therefore, any manipulation (however small and minor) in any part of the body, including jaw surgery, is associated with complications and problems. Of course, there is nothing to worry about. Because most of the complications of jaw surgery are possible and not every patient experiences them all. Even some people go through orthognathic surgery without any complications. If you are worried about the general complications of jaw surgery for orthodontics, you can consult with an orthodontist and raise your concerns and questions before proceeding with the operation. ### Anesthesia effects Some of the side effects of jaw surgery are related to general anesthesia. For example, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, dry throat, or muscle pain that resolve within 24 hours after surgery. Another side effect of anesthesia is nausea and vomiting from the time you wake up to 1-2 days after the operation. If necessary, the doctor prescribes medicine to control these symptoms. Although it happens rarely, general anesthesia can be associated with more serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, hoarseness, heart attack, stroke, and even death. Elderly people and people with cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable to cardiac complications after anesthesia. ### Infection after surgery (especially in diabetic maple) Another **dangers of jaw surgery** is the possibility of infection around plates and screws. The risk of this complication is more serious in diabetic patients. Of course, there is no need to worry because during surgery, in order to prevent the risk of infection, the patient is prescribed appropriate antibiotics. Symptoms of infection after orthognathic surgery include increased pain, swelling, and foul-tasting secretions in the mouth that appear 10 to 14 days after surgery. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs of infection or bleeding. ### Surgical scar The incisions made inside the mouth for jaw surgery are usually completely healed in a short time and no traces of them remain. But in older people, recovery may be slow or scars and injuries may remain on the skin. Most of those who undergo jaw surgery to treat jaw deviation and align teeth are young and will not have any problems in this regard. ### Inflammation of vessels During surgery, some veins are used to inject drugs and intravenous fluids, which may cause inflammation of these veins after surgery. Therefore, swelling, discoloration and movement restriction in the area where the vein was used for injection (arm or hand) are completely normal and will be resolved after a short period of time. Possible side effects of orthognathic surgery Possible side effects specific to orthognathic surgery that some patients may experience one or more of them are: ### Feeling pain The pain and discomfort that the patient feels after the operation depends on the difficulty and complexity of the surgery. The feeling of pain is more intense in the first 2-3 days and gradually decreases and relieves. The doctor usually prescribes you strong painkillers so that you don't get bothered. Usually, after 7 to 10 days after another surgery, you do not need to take painkillers. ### bleeding Bleeding during surgery is one of the side effects of jaw surgery, and if it is severe, a blood transfusion is needed. Bleeding usually continues 24-48 hours after the operation. Bleeding is more severe and prolonged in smokers and those who drink alcohol. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient quit smoking and alcohol from a few days before orthognathic surgery to at least 10 days after the operation. The longer this period is, the more beneficial it is for the patient's health. ### Swelling in the jaw and face Swelling of the jaw and face after jaw surgery is not far from expected and most patients experience it. The maximum amount of swelling in the jaw occurs about 48 hours after surgery and gradually subsides. Most of the facial swelling will disappear after 14 days and will be completely healed within two weeks. Due to the swelling, it may be difficult for the patient to close the mouth and put the molars together for a few days. The severity of swelling in the jaw and face depends on the complexity and difficulty of the surgery. ### jaw and face bruising As the swelling of the jaw and face subsides, traces of bruising may be seen on the face, neck and chest. These bruises are among the side effects of jaw surgery that disappear within 7 to 10 days. ### Nerve damage (a rare complication) In rare cases and when the jaw surgery is performed by an inexperienced surgeon, there is a possibility of stretching the nerve vessels during the operation. Therefore, nerve damage that causes numbness of the chin, upper lip, lower lip, cheeks, and palate is considered one of the rare side effects of jaw surgery. In most patients, this numbness gradually improves within 3 to 6 months and the sensation of the facial parts returns to normal. Tingling and itching are positive signs of sensation return. The risk of permanent numbness and feeling of the mentioned areas is higher in people over 40 who undergo certain types of mandibular surgery. ### Discomfort in the sinuses After maxillary surgery, the sinus may be affected for several weeks. This rarely happens because the surgical team takes precautions to prevent damage to the sinuses. But in cases of possible chronic problems, the patient needs more surgery. ### Restriction in opening the mouth (especially for the first few days) Limitation in opening the mouth and feeling of the jaw being locked after surgery is normal and happens due to swelling and stiffness of the jaw. This unpleasant condition is gradually improved and mouth movements return to normal within 4-6 weeks. If the jaws are fixed in a rigid way, the muscles used for speaking may not function properly due to the general swelling of the face. ### Looseness of the worked pages in the jaw (rare) The connection of the screws used in the jaw is very strong and safe, and there is almost no chance of them breaking. However, if the bone screws become loose for any reason, the problem is solved by removing the screws after the bone heals. Some patients may need additional surgery to remove pins, screws, wires, plates, or splints. ### No healing of the jaw bone (mostly in diabetics) This complication is very rare, but if it occurs, it makes the healing process of the jawbone very slow and challenging after surgery. Smoking, having diabetes, or bleeding disorders increase the chance that the jawbone will not heal. ### Tooth loss In some patients, after jaw surgery, the blood supply to the teeth is affected and their roots are damaged, which may lead to tooth loss. In this case, root canal treatment can save your tooth. ### pain in the temporomandibular joint Another risk of jaw surgery is pain or abnormal function of the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most important facial joints that you can feel near the ears when moving the jaw. Orthognathic surgery may aggravate the problems of this joint. Therefore, if you are facing the problem of jaw pain, inform your surgeon before the operation. reducing the complications of jaw surgery Following a series of medical and care measures can help reduce the risks of jaw surgery and speed up the recovery process. The following are the most important tips to reduce **jaw surgery complications**: - Carefully follow the instructions of the surgeon and dentist on how to take care of the surgical site and take medications. - To reduce swelling, in the first 24-48 hours, put a cold compress on your face every 20 minutes. - After 48 hours, use a warm compress to remove bruises and dry muscles. - In the first days after surgery, consume watery or pureed foods such as soup, smoothie, milk, natural juice. - Eat only soft foods for 4 to 6 weeks and then return to your normal diet. - Avoid chewing hard and eating hard foods. - Don't forget to get enough calories and protein for quick recovery. - Do not use a straw for drinking in the first few weeks. Because it puts pressure on the stitches. - Take the prescribed medicines (analgesics, antibiotics) exactly as prescribed. - Observe oral hygiene (brushing, using mouthwash and gargling with lukewarm salt water) according to the doctor's instructions. - Have enough rest. - Keep your head up while sleeping to reduce swelling. - Avoid heavy activities for at least two weeks. - Quit smoking, tobacco and alcohol. - Visit your doctor at the appointed time to check the healing process. What complications should we inform our jaw surgeon? After orthognathic surgery, in order to prevent the complications of this surgery and take timely action to resolve it, take the occurrence of the following symptoms seriously and inform your surgeon. - Fever over 38 degrees Celsius - Fever and chills - Continuous bleeding - Nausea and vomiting - Severe pain - Redness or swelling at the surgical site - Any abnormal and worrisome condition regarding surgery Is weight loss after jaw surgery normal? Weight loss of 2 to 5 kg in the first 2 to 6 weeks after jaw surgery is normal. This happens for reasons such as decreased appetite, swelling and restriction of movement of the jaws (harder chewing), pain and discomfort when eating, and food restrictions. Of course, this weight loss is temporary and will return to normal after improving the condition of the jaw and returning to the usual diet. Jaw surgery, like many other medical and dental procedures, may be associated with complications and problems. Of course, the complications and **risks of jaw surgery** are usually rare and in most cases do not cause serious problems for the person. By observing the post-surgery care and following the recommendations of the expert surgeon, the healing process will go well and the treatment results will be successful. Knowing the details of the surgery and carefully examining the conditions of the jaw and face before the operation, plays an important role in reducing the **complications of jaw surgery**.