Jaw surgery corrects misalignment, breathing problems, and structural abnormalities of the upper and lower jaw. Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery in St. George provides surgical correction of bite disorders, sleep apnea, and trauma-related injuries using advanced imaging and surgical techniques.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery
Types of Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct malocclusion and functional problems. Corrective jaw surgery addresses underbites, overbites, open bites, and asymmetry that cannot be resolved by orthodontics alone. Reconstructive jaw surgery repairs fractures, defects from tumor removal, or congenital conditions. Sleep apnea surgery may include jaw advancement to enlarge the airway. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and functional goals.
Surgical Planning and Imaging
Pre-operative assessment includes 3D cone-beam CT imaging to evaluate bone structure, airway dimensions, and bite relationships. Surgical models and digital planning allow the surgeon to simulate the final jaw position before surgery. Coordination with orthodontists is common; braces are often placed 6–18 months before surgery to align teeth within the new jaw position. The surgical plan accounts for breathing, chewing function, facial aesthetics, and long-term stability.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
Most patients experience swelling and bruising that peaks 2–3 days after surgery and gradually resolves over 2–4 weeks. Liquid and soft-food diets are necessary for 4–6 weeks while the jaw heals. Return to light activity typically occurs within 2–3 weeks; strenuous exercise is restricted for 6–8 weeks. Bone fusion continues for 3–6 months, during which the bite stabilizes. Pain is managed with prescribed medications; numbness or altered sensation in the lower lip or chin may persist for weeks to months but usually resolves.
Risks and Complications
Temporary numbness, swelling, and jaw stiffness are common. Permanent nerve injury affecting sensation or function is rare (less than 2% of cases). Relapse—gradual return toward the original bite—can occur if post-operative orthodontics is not completed. Infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications are uncommon with proper surgical technique and patient selection. Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic results may require revision surgery in a small percentage of cases.
What You Can Expect at Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery
Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery evaluates jaw surgery candidates through clinical examination, imaging, and discussion of functional and aesthetic goals. The team coordinates care with referring orthodontists and general dentists to ensure comprehensive treatment planning. Patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions, anesthesia consultation, and post-operative care protocols to optimize healing and outcomes.
Follow-up appointments monitor swelling, bite stability, and healing progress. The practice provides guidance on diet progression, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions throughout recovery. Long-term follow-up ensures the surgical correction remains stable and functional goals are met.