The jawbone develops gradually. Sometimes, one portion ends up growing more quickly than the other. This is just one reason to see an oral surgeon about jaw surgery. At the office of Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS, offering everything from tooth extractions to dental implant surgery for patients in Honolulu, specialists will assess your medical condition and determine if operating on the jaw is necessary.

Oral Surgeon Shares 3 Common Reasons People Get Jaw Surgery

1. Skewed Bites

Often, a misaligned bite can be fixed with braces. However, there are severe malocclusions that may occur when a patient’s upper and lower jaws aren’t growing at the same rate. Patients suffering from these conditions often have difficulty chewing and speaking. Traditional braces won’t be effective in such instances. Instead, it’s necessary to contact an oral surgeon and discuss jaw surgery.

2. Consistent Headaches

Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders often grind their teeth at night, when they’re unaware they’re doing so. This can result in chronic headaches. Grinding one’s teeth also wears down the dental enamel. While such patients could wear mouth guards to prevent the habit, jaw surgery may offer a more permanent and reliable solution.

3. Undesired Facial Proportions

Inconsistent jaw bone development can also have a negative impact on the appearance of a person’s face. Their lower jaw may protrude out, resulting in disproportionate features. In these instances, jaw surgery doesn’t just serve a medical purpose—it’s also a cosmetic treatment. The surgeon adjusts the position of the bone to achieve balance. 

Whether you think jaw surgery is right for you or you need a simple tooth extraction, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS in Honolulu, HI. Dr. Yanagihara and his staff are always happy to answer your questions, allowing you to benefit from their many years of experience. Their team is dedicated to keeping up with the latest methods and technology, ensuring their patients quality dental care. Contact the office online to set up an appointment, or call (808) 973-1433.