Are you struggling with a misaligned jaw or narrow palate? Maybe you have experienced pain and limited function when trying to complete normal activities like talking and eating. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. At Dallas Surgical Arts, we are here to guide you as you seek treatment options to address your concerns. Keep reading to learn about how board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich can help!
In oral maxillofacial surgery, certain conditions require surgical intervention to correct functional and aesthetic issues associated with jaw misalignments. Two common surgical procedures used to address concerns like a narrow palate or jaw misalignment are SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and EASE (Endoscopically Assisted Surgical Expansion).
Understanding SARPE
SARPE is a surgical procedure that expands the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct narrow arches and crossbites. The key advantage of SARPE is its ability to achieve rapid expansion utilizing a surgical approach. Dr. Randy Sanovich will work with your orthodontist to combine this surgical aspect with orthodontic treatment. Here some of the common benefits of the SARPE procedure:
Corrects narrow arches and crossbites: SARPE is an effective solution for patients with a narrow upper jaw, helping alleviate bite imbalances and improving overall dental alignment.
Improves breathing and nasal airflow: Expanding the upper jaw can enhance nasal airflow, thereby improving breathing and addressing associated issues like sleep apnea and snoring that can contribute to poor sleep habits.
Creates space for crowded teeth: SARPE surgery creates additional space in the upper jaw, allowing teeth that are crowded to be properly aligned during orthodontic treatment.
Consultation to Surgery Process
Evaluation and diagnosis: A consultation with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dallas like Dr. Sanovich will involve a thorough examination, including imaging. This helps determine if SARPE surgery is the appropriate treatment for the patient's jaw misalignment.
Treatment Planning: Dr. Sanovich will discuss the recommended treatment plan, explaining the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. He will also collaborate with your orthodontist to ensure proper alignment of your teeth and jaw position throughout the process.
The SARPE Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia: For the SARPE procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Surgical technique: Dr. Sanovich will make incisions along the gum line to expose the maxilla (upper jaw). Specialized instruments are then used to separate and surgically expand the maxillary bones.
Placement of expanders: Following this step, the expanders are placed and anchored to provide controlled expansion in the desired direction.
Closing incisions: Once the surgical expansion is achieved, the incisions are closed using sutures.
Postoperative Care
Recovery: After the surgery, patients will need some time to recover from the procedure. Dr. Sanovich will provide specific instructions on pain management, oral hygiene, and diet during this recovery period.
Orthodontic treatment: After the SARPE surgery, the patient will work closely with Dr. Sanovich and an orthodontist to adjust/widen the expander to facilitate tooth movement and ensure alignment. Expert orthodontic care is essential to maximize the success of the procedure.
Understanding EASE
EASE (endoscopically-assisted surgical expansion) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to expand the upper jaw. Here are some essential aspects of EASE:
Benefits of EASE
Short recovery time: Due to its minimally invasive nature, EASE surgery typically involves a shorter recovery period compared to traditional jaw expansion techniques.
Improved aesthetics: EASE allows for precise and controlled expansion, resulting in enhanced facial harmony and improved dental aesthetics.
Consultation to Surgery Process
The consultation and process for EASE surgery are generally similar to SARPE surgery, involving a thorough examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, and collaboration between the Dr. Sanovich and your orthodontist.
The EASE Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia: The patient is typically put under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure.
Placement of expander: Dr. Randy Sanovich strategically places miniplates or miniscrews in specific locations to facilitate the desired expansion of the upper jaw.
Activation of the devices: Over several weeks, the expansion device is gradually activated by the orthodontist to create controlled expansion.
Postoperative Care
Postoperative care and recovery for EASE surgery is similar to that of SARPE surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
SARPE and EASE surgeries offer effective solutions for correcting jaw misalignments and improving dental function and aesthetics. Through a comprehensive consultation process, patients can work with skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Sanovich and orthodontists to determine the best treatment plan. With careful attention to postoperative care and skilled orthodontic management, these surgical procedures can result in successful jaw expansion, contributing to improved smiles and overall oral health.
Wondering if you are a candidate for SARPE or EASE surgery? Schedule a consultation with board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich and call 972-776-4888 today!