Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
  • Speech problems
  • Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
  • Open bite
  • Protruding jaw
  • Breathing problems

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Technology & Orthognathic Surgery

Dr. Drs. Gauger and Carlson uses modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Drs. Gauger and Carlson will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.

What to Expect

  • Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation.
  • The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
  • Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
  • Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
  • The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
  • Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
  • Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
    function may take one year.
  • Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
  • Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.

Tacoma Oral Surgery & Implants

5 out of 5 stars based on 13 Major Jaw Surgery reviews

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

I had a wisdom tooth extracted yesterday. the procedure when great and painless, and today I am back at work with minimal pain. the doctor and staff all were great. they all explained the process and I was kept informed throughout the the procedure on the steps. What was great and best of all, I received a call from Dr. Gauger himself checking on me. This was great on his part to take the time and call. I will recommend this doctor to every one I know and in need of any work done by this doctor. Thanks for everything.You earned my Gold medal for outstanding job.

- Ziad F

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

I had two teeth extracted and two implants put in the same day. I was wide awake although quite "shot up" with Novocaine, and he and his adept and professional staff made sure I knew what was happening all along the procedure. What the sounds were, what he was doing every step of the way. When I was done, everyone made sure I was good to go, knew what to, and what to expect. I had no pain, I was not swollen or bruised, and I would have to say that this was a good experience from beginning to end! And now after my waiting period, I "graduated" to have my implants in. I would recommend Dr. Gauger and his staff to everyone and have. Thank you all for taking such good care of me!

- Candace S

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

I'm 65 yo. female who needed two extremely large mandibular tori removed. Usually, not a fun procedure to recover from. Dr. Peter Gauger, administered excellent sedation (I was knocked out), no nausea,bruising or bleeding post procedure. No PAIN upon awakening! I went home and began recovery immediately with NO PAIN, still no bleeding and just a small amount of swelling. His after procedure care directions, were 'spot on', with medications to fight both pain and infection. I am beyond impressed. Also, his 'bedside/chairside manner' is impeccable, very approachable. He patiently and clearly answered all questions I threw at him. My mouth is healing beautifully.

- Marlina E

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

My experience with Dr. Peter Gaugher was amazing - he is an exceptional and highly skilled oral surgeon that is both gentle and friendly. He is very good at numbing - you barely know what he is doing when he is working. The implants he did for me came out beautifully. I highly recommend Dr. Gaugher.

- John S

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

As a referring dentist to Dr. Gauger's office, I am extremely happy to report that every patient that I have referred to him thanked me profusely for the introduction. Dr. Pete Gauger is one of the finest Oral Surgeons that I have had the honor to work with in my 43 years of practice. He is superbly qualified in his field and is as gentle with his patients as he is with his own young family. I have referred all of my family to him and they agree that he is wonderful. You will not be in any way disappointed.

- Kristan O

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Everyone in the office was friendly & helpful. Dr Gauger was great!

- Zach G

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

I was referred to Dr. Gauger to have my two supernumerary (extra) wisdom teeth removed. Since I was going through this process at 30 and not 18 as in the first time, my anxiety levels and fear of complications were very high. Dr. Gauger and his staff were wonderful and made sure I was comfortable every step of the process. Dr. Gauger's expertise resulted in a complication-free extraction and very minor post-op pain. I could not have made a better choice in working with this office and I feel very lucky to have landed in such skillful hands.

- Sarah E

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Really enjoyed Dr. Carlson. He was very helpful and genuine.

- Robert W

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Top notch!

- Roger D

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Excellent staff and Doctors!

- Michael S

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Thank You Dr. Gauger and Staff!!!

- Mich S

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

great experience!

- M S

5 out of 5 stars on

Dr. Gauger's Patient Review Form

Great overall experience with Dr. Gauger and staff - Thank You!!

- Michelle S

5 out of 5 stars on