Jaw surgery corrects misalignment, breathing problems, and structural abnormalities of the upper and lower jaw. Red Rock Surgical in St. George provides orthognathic and reconstructive jaw procedures performed by experienced oral surgeons.
Reviewed by Red Rock Surgical — St. George, UT
Types of Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct bite problems and facial imbalance. Procedures include maxillary advancement for underbites, mandibular setback for overbites, and bimaxillary surgery when both jaws require repositioning. Reconstructive jaw surgery addresses trauma, tumor removal, or congenital conditions. Distraction osteogenesis gradually lengthens the jaw using an external or internal device over weeks to months, commonly used for severe underbites or asymmetry.
Reasons for Jaw Surgery
Patients pursue jaw surgery when orthodontics alone cannot correct severe malocclusion (misalignment). Sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction often improves after jaw advancement. Facial trauma—fractures of the mandible or maxilla—requires surgical realignment and fixation. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders causing chronic pain and limited mouth opening may be treated surgically if conservative therapy fails. Asymmetry from uneven jaw growth affects both function and appearance. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw position is another common indication.
The Surgical Process
Pre-operative planning includes 3D imaging (CBCT scans) to map jaw position and predict surgical movement. Orthodontic braces are typically placed 6–12 months before surgery to align teeth within each jaw. Surgery itself takes 1–3 hours depending on complexity. The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth (intraoral) to avoid visible scars, cuts bone, repositions the jaw, and secures it with plates and screws. Most patients spend 1–2 nights in the hospital. Recovery involves swelling that peaks around day 3–5, gradual return to soft foods over 4–6 weeks, and full healing over 3–6 months.
Recovery and Results
Swelling and bruising are normal and typically resolve within 2–3 weeks. Pain is managed with prescribed medication for the first 1–2 weeks. Patients return to light activity after 1–2 weeks and resume normal exercise after 4–6 weeks. Numbness in the lower lip or chin may persist for weeks to months as nerves regenerate. Most patients see final results after 6–12 months as swelling fully resolves and bone heals. Bite correction is immediate, though jaw function continues to improve as muscles adapt.
Risks and Complications
Nerve injury affecting sensation or movement occurs in a small percentage of cases and is often temporary. Relapse—gradual return of the jaw toward its original position—happens in 5–10% of cases and may require revision surgery. Infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications are rare with modern surgical protocols. TMJ problems occasionally develop post-operatively but are usually manageable. Asymmetry or under/overcorrection may necessitate revision surgery in select cases.
What You Can Expect at Red Rock Surgical
Red Rock Surgical provides comprehensive evaluation and surgical planning for jaw conditions. The team uses advanced imaging and 3D surgical simulation to plan precise jaw repositioning. Patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including dietary changes and medication adjustments. Post-operative follow-up includes regular check-ins to monitor healing, manage swelling, and address any concerns. The practice coordinates with orthodontists to ensure teeth and jaw alignment work together for optimal results.