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LOWER JAW SURGERY (BSSO)
FaceCenterLA - Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthognathic Surgery, Jaw Surgery

A BSSO (lower jaw surgery) is performed to correct a wide array of minor and major skeletal and dental deformities and irregularities, including the malalignment of jaws and teeth. Correcting such irregularities, can greatly improve functionality of the bite, speaking, breathing, reduce wear and tear on teeth, and can improve facial aesthetics. The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, or BSSO for short, has evolved into an effective and preferred surgical procedure for mandibular advancement or setbacks. It may also be called a mandibular advancement or a mandibular setback.

A BSSO is performed on the lower jaw, the mandible, in order to move it forward in the case of a deficient lower jaw, or backward in the case of a large lower jaw. A BSSO is performed behind the back teeth and then the jaw is sectioned in such a way that bony contact is always maintained. The bones are then repositioned, may be held in place with small titanium screws. Surgical incisions are hidden within the mouth, so there is no visible scarring. At FaceCenterLA, patients are not wired shut, but rather the jaw is held in place with elastic bands and/or a dental splint. The professional and experienced Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons at Face Center LA can help you determine if a BSSO procedure is appropriate for you.

After your BSSO procedure, here are a few things as far as what to expect post-operatively. The surgeon will provide the patient with a diet to follow during the healing process as well as a timetable for resuming a regular diet. The surgeon will advise the patient on any limitations on physical activity to observe during the initial healing period, which lasts approximately six weeks. The surgeon will also provide the patient with instructions for prescription and over-the-counter drugs to control pain, reduce swelling, and improving healing. The majority of patients are able to return to work one to three weeks after surgery. Eight to ten weeks are required for complete healing of surgical sites, and the soft tissue continues to improve and heal over a six to twelve month period.

A successful BSSO eliminates pain, restores function and quality of life, boosts patient self-esteem, and can also improve his or her oral and dental health by eliminating abnormal wear forces on the teeth, making it easier to brush and floss their teeth and allowing them to maximize the effectiveness of their home care as well as the benefits of regular professional cleanings.

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