Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is the Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
- When do I need to have Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
- Precautions & warnings
- What do I need to know before undergoing Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
- Process
- What should I do before undergoing Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
- How is the Le Fort 1 osteotomy process?
- What should I do after undergoing Le Fort 1 osteonomy?
- Complications
- What complications can occur?
Definition
What is the Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
Le Fort 1 osteotomy is an operation to change the position of the upper jaw to align your teeth. There are limitations to the use of braces for straightening teeth. Sometimes the teeth cannot be perfectly aligned without correcting the position of your upper jaw.
When do I need to have Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
If you or your child has malocclusion (misaligned teeth and jaw) caused by a cleft in the palate, osteonomy Le Fort 1 may be an option for treatment.
Precautions & warnings
What do I need to know before undergoing Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
You may look different from what you imagined after undergoing Le Fort surgery. Changes to the face can last up to 1 year after surgery. Displacement of the facial bones can change the shape of your nose or lips. Your bone can crack in other parts. Your teeth can be damaged or you will have difficulty using your teeth. Rarely, however, the bones in your head can crack, causing spinal fluid to leak out through your ears and nose. Your dentist will place braces to straighten your teeth, but you will find it difficult to bite properly. You will need permanent braces on the back of your teeth or use a brace at night to keep your teeth in place.
Process
What should I do before undergoing Le Fort 1 osteotomy?
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, allergies, or other health conditions before having surgery. Before surgery, schedule an appointment with your anesthetist. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery. You will be given preoperative instructions, such as whether you are allowed to eat before the operation. In general, you will need to fast 6 hours before the procedure begins. You may be allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, a few hours before the surgery.
How is the Le Fort 1 osteotomy process?
The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 1 hour. The surgeon will make an incision inside your mouth, over your upper tooth. The surgeon will use special equipment to separate the part of the maxilla that holds your teeth. The position of the jaw is fixed by means of a plate and screws.
What should I do after undergoing Le Fort 1 osteonomy?
You are allowed to go home after 1 to 3 days. The swelling will usually subside after the third week. Exercising can help you get back to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first. Eat refined foods for 4 to 6 weeks, then slowly start solid foods when you can chew comfortably. You can return to work after 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your level of surgery and type of activity.
Complications
What complications can occur?
You may bleed during surgery and need a blood transfusion. You may also experience pain, infection, bleeding or skin damage caused by the surgery. Metal plates and screws installed during surgery can loosen, slide or cause infection. If an infection occurs, you will need to have another operation to fix it. You can also feel hardware under your skin. It may be difficult for your bone to heal properly or it may return to its preoperative position.
You can minimize the risk of complications by following the doctor's instructions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
