Preparing for surgery, especially for a specialized procedure such as orthognathic surgery, is an important step in the treatment process. Good preparation increases the predictability of achieving a favorable outcome after surgery and speeds up the recovery process. In this blog we explain what is involved in preparing for an operation within our Expertise Clinic for Orthognathic Surgery.
1. Initial Consultation
Preparation starts with the first consultation. During this consultation, together with the orthodontist, your medical history, your current health condition and your aesthetic and functional wishes are discussed in detail. Based on the initial findings of the clinical examination and additional diagnostics such as light photos, X-rays and 3D scans of your face and jaws, a provisional orthodontic and surgical treatment plan is drawn up. This gives you an overview of the treatment goals, the treatment duration, the different steps in the treatment, the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment and the costs of the entire treatment process. If necessary, we will submit a request to your health insurer. With all this information you can make an informed decision about whether or not to start the treatment process.
2. Orthodontic Preparation
In many cases, orthodontic pre-treatment is necessary to optimally align your dentition for the surgical jaw correction. This phase can have a duration from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of your dental abnormalities and your bite. During this period, regular consultations will take place between your orthodontist and our oro maxillofacial surgeons to monitor progress.
3. Interim evaluation & operation planning
If your dental arches have been properly aligned by the orthodontist, we will see you again for a joint evaluation. This will assess whether you are ready for orthognathic surgery. Your wishes regarding the functional and aesthetic outcome will be discussed again, as well as your general health and current medication use.
Together with your oro maxillofacial surgeon you determine a date for the operation. Your personal and professional commitments are taken into account to minimize the impact on your daily life. An overall operation plan is also drawn up, including the estimated duration of the operation and the recovery process.
4. Preoperative documentation
A few weeks prior to the planned operation date, your oro maxillofacial surgeon will see you again for extensive documentation. In this consultation your final wishes and questions will be discussed. The entire surgical procedure and recovery process, including the adjusted diet, will be discussed with you again step by step so that you know what to expect after the operation. An operation can be emotionally taxing. It is therefore important to also be psychologically prepared. It is also important to build a good support network of friends and family who can support you during the recovery process after surgery.
The final clinical measurements of the jaw position are then performed. A 3D scan is made of your teeth and jaws, plus light photos of your face. Based on all this information, the surgeon makes the final technical operation plan. The planned operation is, as it were, carried out virtually once in the computer to test the feasibility and to recognize and resolve any bottlenecks in advance. With this method we try to achieve optimal treatment results and reduce the risk of complications and other unforeseen circumstances.
5. Day before surgery
One day prior to the planned jaw correction, your oro maxillofacial surgeon will call you to go through a short questionnaire about your health situation. If you have a cold or other complaints, report this to your surgeon so that he can take the necessary extra precautions. If you have any questions, they will be answered.
6. Day of surgery
You must fast on the day of the operation. This means that from midnight the day before you are not allowed to eat anything and only drink small sips of water. Come to our operating complex on time. Please leave all piercings, jewelry and valuables at home. You will be received by an assistant at the operating complex. You will be given instructions on how to change into surgical clothes and you will be taken to the preparation room where you can take a seat quietly. You may receive premedication so that you are prepared for the anesthesia in a calm manner. At the scheduled time you will be taken to the operating room. After going through a final questionnaire, the operation will start.
Finally
Preparing for surgery is a comprehensive process that includes both physical and emotional aspects. By working closely with our team and carefully following the instructions given, you will be optimally prepared for your operation. Our goal is to not only prepare you for the surgery itself, but also to support you throughout the journey to recovery and improved function and aesthetics after surgery.
In our next blog we will delve deeper into what to expect during the recovery process after surgery and the technological advances in orthognathic surgery. Stay tuned for more insightful information about orthognathic surgery and what we can do for you.
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