Dear Jean, There is never anything wrong with a second opinion. Regaurdless of the outcome the offer you the piece of mind of having a second expert evaluate you. I would recommend that when you go for a second opinion that you take any radiographs that you may have from before and after the surgery. By doing so it may allow the surgeon a greater understanding of your situation and specifically address your concerns regaurding nerve injury. Good luck

The correction of an open bite is often done with a Lefort I osteotomy. The majority of the patients that undergo this procedure are older than 15 years old enless they have been diagnosed with a facial syndrome that requires a staged surgical correction. In these patients the final effects on overal growth and developement is unclear because of their underlying condition. For this reason I would be perfectly clear about your childs long term treatment plans as well as the primary diagnosis. Once you know this information you will be able to make a much better decision. For additional information about Lefort I osteotomies I would reccommend researching these key words on the web and at your local public library. Orthognathic surgery Craniofacial surgery Jaw corrective surgery good luck

NSAIDS and muscle relaxants are a good start. It certainly sounds like joint derangement so it needs rest. Add a soft, nonchewing diet to what you are currently doing now for 2 weeks and see if you get any relief. Often the disk/condyle relationship changes leading to pain. If left untreated, DJD will ensue just like any other joint. Surgery is a last resort. Often an appliance can help alleviate symptoms and I would recommend an NTI appliance. This helps reduce joint stress by removing the reflex contracture of the temporalis muscle that pulls against the lateral pterygoid (part of which attaches to the disk). I also recommend 600mg advil q4-6 regardless if pain is present while you try the nonchewing diet. This device will also help with headaches. Good luck. Feel free to contact me (dak@deomfs.com) if there is no improvement.

the severity will determine if any procedures are warranted at his young age. Generally, nothing is indicated at this time since his growth is not complete. The lower jaw does lag behind the upper until the teenage years and there is no way to predict his growth pattern. Surgery at this time may only mean additional procedures in the future. If the only concern is cosmetic and your son has no other problems associated with the size of his mandible (ie: breathing abnormalities, tongue obstruction), the best treatment is no treatment at this time. If you are still concerned, consult an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon in your area. I do understand your concerns and if your son does experience these terrible things that kids can do, consuling and reassurance on your part is the best starting point.

There are no surgical treatments available for a 6 year old, but a Board certified Orthodontist could help you get started in the right direction.

I agree with Dr. King's answer. There is nothing to do to make it go away faster, nor is there anything you can do to create further damage. Often in small framed women the numbness may resolve faster when the swelling decreases as the nerve to the lower jaw passes through one of the jaw muscles before it enters the bone, and swelling in this area can cause you to have a numb lip as well. Tingly itchy feeling is a good sign that it is resolving, but the next stage may be a period of sensitivity where cold things feel colder and hot things hotter on the effected side, and you may occasionally feel an "electric" tingliness which means the nerve is in its final stage of healing. Let the doc keep an eye on it with you. Good Luck

If you must smoke, give yourself a day or two post op to recover from the extractions. Better yet, quit.

Usually numbness after wisdom tooth removal affects only the lower jaw and lip area on the side of the extraction, not the whole side of the face. Thankfully numbness after wisdom teeth removal is rare, and when it does happen often will resolve itself within the first month or two. I hope you stay in touch with your doctor, and discuss with him what your options are available.

Go now and make an appointment with someone else for a second opinion regarding your teeth. You did not state your age, or if you have any medical problems, or illness which could have contributed to this problem. I have no idea what type of "bone loss" you have, how much is gone, how stable the teeth are, or aren't, and I have not examined your mouth, nor seen your xrays. But if it were me, and some dentist said he wanted to cut my gums away so I can keep my teeth, maybe for 5 years, i would wonder why. If he's so sure you're going to loose them why does he need to take several thousand dollars out of your pocket first. If they're really that bad, don't do it. Have them extracted, and replace them with either a bridge or partial denture. If another dentist says they're not that bad then you know the first guy just wanted your money. I have yet to see a patient that was even remotely happy after gum surgery, and I've been in practice over 20 years! GOOD LUCK!