What are the dangers to jaw surgery?

Dangers of Jaw Surgery

1. Nerve damage

The most common danger of jaw surgery is nerve damage. This can occur when the surgeon cuts or injures a nerve during the operation. Nerve damage can cause a variety of problems, including numbness, tingling, pain, and muscle weakness. In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent.

2. Infection

Another major danger of jaw surgery is infection. This can occur if bacteria enter the surgical site during or after the operation. Infection can lead to a variety of problems, including fever, chills, pain, and swelling. In some cases, infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

3. Bleeding

Bleeding is another common risk of jaw surgery. This can occur during the operation or in the days or weeks following the operation. Bleeding can be a problem if it is excessive or if it does not stop on its own. In some cases, bleeding can lead to anemia or other medical problems.

4. Blood clots

Blood clots are another potential danger of jaw surgery. These can form in the blood vessels near the surgical site or in the legs. Blood clots can cause a variety of problems, including pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, blood clots can be fatal.

5. Respiratory problems

Jaw surgery can also lead to respiratory problems, such as pneumonia and atelectasis. These problems can occur if the patient is unable to breathe deeply or cough effectively after the operation. Respiratory problems can be serious and even life-threatening.

6. Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a condition in which the teeth do not meet properly. This can occur if the jaw is not properly aligned after surgery. Malocclusion can lead to a variety of problems, including pain, difficulty chewing, and TMJ disorders.

7. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint. These disorders can cause pain, clicking, popping, and locking of the jaw. TMJ disorders can be a complication of jaw surgery.

8. Death

In rare cases, jaw surgery can be fatal. This can occur due to complications such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and respiratory problems.