Corrective Oral Surgery In Chicago, Part 2: Prognathism Or ‘under Bite’

By Author: Mikes Johnson
Total Articles: 24
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In our previous article post on oral surgery in Chicago, we began a discussion on the different kinds of malocclusions (incorrect bites) certain people can be born with or develop over time. The first of these was ‘apertognathia’; a malocclusion characterized by a vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth, even when the patient bites down. In this, the second installment of a five-part series on corrective jaw surgery and oral surgery in Chicago Loop, we shall be examining a second malocclusion known as prognathism, or an ‘under bite’, as well as the recommended surgical treatment options.

Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop: What is Prognathism?

Dictionary Definition: “Prognathism is an abnormal facial configuration in which the lower jaw projects forward with a gnathic index of over 103.”

As the above picture effectively demonstrates, prognathism is an unnatural jutting-out of the lower jaw, which can make some patients look aggressive or exceedingly stubborn! In addition to compromising one’s appearance, prognathism can cause undue stress on one’s teeth, resulting in ...
... early wear-and-tear. It can also aggravate the temporomandibular joint, causing disorders that in turn lead to, amongst other symptoms, chronic headaches and fatigue. Oral surgery in Chicago Loop can be used to correct the alignment of the maxilla in relation to the mandible, much improving bite functionality, speech and facial appearance.

Prognathism and Treatment with Oral Surgery in Chicago

As with apertognathia, prognathism can be corrected with maxilla (upper jaw) osteotomy and/or mandible (lower jaw) oral surgery in Chicago Loop. During surgery, this dual-degreed Chicago oral surgeon will make incisions in the bone tissue inside the mouth; below the eye sockets and above the teeth. This is done under the effects of general anesthesia, so patients need not worry about feeling any pain or discomfort. Once the cuts have been made, the entire maxilla (including the palate or roof of the mouth) will be separately mobile from the rest of the skull. The next step in the corrective jaw surgery and oral surgery in Chicago will be to correctly align the upper and lower jaws so that the under bite is completely removed. The maxilla in its new positioning is then reattached to the skull using exceptionally strong titanium bone plates and tiny screws.

After Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop

In the weeks and months following a patient’s corrective oral surgery in Chicago Loop, the repositioned bones will be healing in place and the titanium fixtures biologically bonding with the bone tissue in a process termed ‘osseointegration’. This generally requires a period of eight weeks before the bones are strong enough to support a normal bite function. This means that for two months after corrective jaw surgery oral surgery in Chicago Loop, patients will be required to refrain from eating anything hard, crunchy or chewy so as not to traumatize the mending bone tissue. Similarly, patients are urged to avoid any strenuous exercise or activity for at least a month and no contact sports for 6 months following their oral surgery in Chicago Loop. Any accidental trauma received to the face at this time could be disastrous, not to mention excruciatingly painful and might require you to receive further surgery.

Once the bone has healed, your teeth will be realigned by the orthodontist for a perfect fit, which typically requires a further six months following your oral surgery in Chicago.

Oral Surgery in Chicago Loop: Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for the next installment of this five-part article series on oral surgery in Chicago. In part 3, this dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop shall be explaining ‘retrognathism’ (over bite) and the surgical treatment options available.

Mikes Johnson is close to one of the well known Oral Surgery Chicago Loop surgeon. He understands how your oral health can affect your lifestyle hence offering some worth considering information about Oral Surgery Chicago Loop and sedation dentist Chicago Loop.