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Thank you for choosing our office for your surgical orthodontic procedure. Please be assured that we will work very closely with your orthodontist and his staff to provide you with the best care in the most expedient and safe manner possible. The following is an informational guide to help you understand the important issues regarding this surgical orthodontic procedure and what to expect in the early post-operative period.
The Procedure:
Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics was developed approximately ten years ago as a means to shorten conventional orthodontic treatment time. It involves incisions in the gums around the teeth and performing small bone cuts in the jaws along with the placement of synthetic bone grafting. The procedure has been shown to expedite the safe, rapid movement of teeth, often cutting down the total treatment time by 50-75%. The other main benefit is the reduction in complications sometimes associated with orthodontics such as root resorption, bone loss, and relapse. It is often possible to perform the orthodontic treatment without extractions or major jaw surgery. Recent studies have shown stable results over a ten year period.
How it works:
The concept behind this technique is a phenomenon which occurs postoperatively in the jaw bones. Bone metabolism is increased to such a degree that the mineral content of the jaw bone is temporarily altered allowing for rapid orthodontic tooth movement in a safe and predictable manner. This process can last up to six months after the AOO procedure during which time corrective orthodontics can be accomplished.
Pre-surgical preparations:
The surgery is performed under IV sedation and you will be given a preoperative sedative to be taken with a sip of water one hour before the appointment. You are not permitted to have anything to eat or drink six hours before surgery. The procedure may last several hours so wear loose comfortable clothing and make sure to go to the bathroom ahead of time.
What to expect after the surgery:
The first few days after surgery you will experience moderate swelling around the surgical sites and in your face. Mild drainage for up to a week is also common.
Care of the surgery sites:
In order to control the bleeding gauze should be placed around the surgical areas and light pressure applied. This should be continued until all bleeding has stopped.
For the first twenty four hours, it is recommended that ice packs be held against the face twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off. After the first day warm wet cloths should replace the ice. This will promote blood flow through the region which will aid in healing and decrease the swelling.
After twenty four hours you should perform warm saltwater rinses three times a day. To do this place a teaspoon of salt in a glass of luke-warm water and gently swish it in your mouth for one minute. This will speed up the healing process.
You may brush your teeth outside of the surgery areas as normal. After one week you may begin cleaning the areas involved in the surgery. To clean the surgical sites you will be given a bottle of anitmicrobial mouthrinse (chlorhexidine) - rinse three times a day. A Q-tip may be dipped in the chlorhexidine and used to clean the teeth and gums at the surgical sites. Be careful not to disturb the gums and sutures.
Diet:
A liquid diet is prescribed for the first few days follwing surgery. Take in a lot of fluids and Vitamin C is recommended. Only soft foods are permitted for the following four weeks to allow the gum tissue and graft sites to heal properly.
Medications:
Pain medication will be prescribed to minimize pain or discomfort. A course of antibiotics will also be prescribed to decrease the risk of infection in the grafted sites.
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil, Aspirin, Alleve, and Ibuprofen and not permitted during orthodontic treatment following the surgery. The principle of the AOO procedure relies on persistent inflammatory changes in the area of the surgical sites. The nature of these medications will have the effect of decreasing this inflammation and will cause the efficiency of the movement of teeth to be compromised. Should you need pain relief after the prescribed pain medication has been taken, non aspirin-based pain relievers such as Tylenol may be used.
Suture Removal:
The sutures will be removed 2-3 weeks following the surgery depending on the rate of healing.
Exercise:
All exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 7-10 days following surgery. After this period, exercise may be gradually resumed as tolerated.
Appointments:
We would like to see you for follow up appointments once a week for the first month, every two weeks for the following month and once a month until orthodontic treatment is completed. The appointments will be made by our office staff.
Your appointments with Dr. Eidenmuller will be once every two weeks.
We hope this information is helpful in understanding your surgical orthodontic procedure. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us @ 714-771-7677.
For more information vist: www.fastortho.com
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