There are many reasons people seek the help of an oral surgeon, whether they need their wisdom teeth removed or require jaw surgery. You may be surprised to learn that jaw surgery can actually correct several health issues and improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. To understand if you would benefit from jaw surgery, consider the following four conditions the procedure can treat.

Jaw Surgery & the Conditions It Addresses 

1. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ occurs when deterioration, injury, or damage occurs to a joint in the jaw and results in compromised jaw movement, pain, and headaches. As this condition worsens, teeth can get damaged over time due to grinding and poor bite alignment. Jaw surgery may be recommended if TMJ begins to negatively impact your quality of life and can be performed by an oral surgeon.

2. Misaligned Bite

A misaligned bite can cause a variety of oral issues, from difficulty chewing to pain in the jaw. These problems can lead to tooth damage, reduced jaw motion, and chronic headaches. Jaw surgery is used to help realign the jaw and provide relief when opening and closing the mouth to eat or speak.

3. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder where the individual stops breathing throughout the night. This condition can be serious depending on the amount and length of time you stop breathing. You may consider jaw surgery for sleep apnea treatment when traditional options like a CPAP machine or custom mouth guard are unsuccessful. Surgery is recommended for patients whose jaws are set back far enough to cause the tongue to block the airway.

4. Speech Problems

The way the teeth line up can impact your ability to speak clearly. If teeth are located too close together or far apart, this can result in slurred speech, lisps, and other impediments. When speech problems are attributed to structural issues with the jaw, surgery should be considered to improve clarity and ability to enunciate.

Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska is located in Anchorage and offers important oral and maxillofacial surgeries and services to the community. Their surgeons are board-certified and have expert knowledge in a broad range of surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, and other oral conditions. To learn more about the facility’s services, visit their website or call (907) 561-1430.