Surgery & Jaw

Lower Jaw BSSO Surgery

Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) is a precise procedure to reposition the lower jaw, effectively fixing skeletal imbalances and creating a comfortable, stable, and balanced bite for patients.

8 min readReviewed by Dr. Amit Sharma, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Understanding BSSO Surgery

A Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy, commonly known as BSSO, is the gold-standard surgical procedure for correcting lower jaw discrepancies. Whether your lower jaw is set too far back, causing an overbite, or too far forward, resulting in an underbite, BSSO allows our surgeons to carefully reposition the mandible. This ensures the teeth align correctly with the upper arch, promoting better oral function and improved facial harmony.

At Dr. Amit Sharma Super Speciality Dental Hospital, our team uses advanced 3D planning to ensure every movement is precise. By understanding your unique bone anatomy, we can achieve optimal outcomes that address both functional bite issues and aesthetic concerns. This surgery is performed with the utmost care, focusing on achieving a stable, long-lasting result that enhances your quality of life through expert maxillofacial surgical intervention.

Why Choose BSSO Treatment

BSSO is recommended when orthodontic treatment alone cannot resolve severe jaw misalignment. When the lower jaw is the primary cause of a malocclusion, it can lead to difficulties with chewing, tooth decay due to irregular wear, and chronic joint pain. By addressing the skeletal base, we provide a definitive solution that improves your ability to eat and speak while also relieving strain on the jaw joints.

For many, the procedure is about more than just function; it is about achieving facial balance. A misaligned jaw can often affect your profile, making you feel self-conscious. By repositioning the mandible, we can refine your jawline and facial proportions, leading to a significant boost in confidence. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of your dental health.

The Surgical Process

The BSSO procedure is carried out entirely inside the mouth, which means there are no external incisions or scars on the face. During the surgery, the surgeon makes precise cuts in the mandible on both sides, allowing the jaw to be split. This allows the segment carrying the teeth to be moved into the ideal position. Once in place, the bone segments are secured using small titanium plates and screws.

This rigid internal fixation is a major advancement in modern surgery, as it eliminates the need for wiring the jaws shut after the operation. You will be able to move your jaw shortly after recovery, which aids in healing and comfort. Performed under general anaesthesia at our hospital in Jaipur, the BSSO is a safe and highly effective way to permanently align the lower jaw according to your needs.

Post-Operative Recovery

Recovery after a BSSO procedure involves an initial period of swelling, which is normal and expected. We provide tailored care instructions to help manage this, including techniques for reducing inflammation and keeping your mouth clean. While you will need to stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks, most patients find that they can return to their daily routines quite quickly after the initial healing phase.

Regular follow-ups at our hospital are essential during your recovery. We will monitor how the bone is healing and ensure the hardware is performing correctly. Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout the process, providing guidance on everything from managing nutrition to gradually reintroducing normal biting functions. Your long-term success is our priority, and we are with you at every step of your healing journey.

Achieving Long-Term Success

Long-term success with BSSO requires a commitment to your follow-up care and dental maintenance. Once the jaw has fully healed and the bite is settled, you will likely continue with finishing orthodontic treatment to ensure the final fit is perfect. The results of BSSO are permanent, providing a stable foundation for your teeth and improving the overall health of your mouth for years to come.

If you are concerned about your bite or the appearance of your jaw, we are here to help. You can book an appointment for a specialist evaluation at Dr. Amit Sharma Super Speciality Dental Hospital in Jaipur. Reach out to our dedicated team on our helpline at 9314403502 to learn more about how BSSO surgery can transform your smile and your oral function.

Questions patients ask us

Is BSSO surgery safe?
Yes, BSSO is a routine and safe maxillofacial procedure performed regularly by experienced surgeons. As with any surgery, there are risks, but we utilise modern 3D planning and rigid fixation techniques to minimise these and ensure the highest safety standards during your treatment in our specialised Jaipur facility.
Will I have numbness after the surgery?
Temporary numbness in the lower lip and chin area is a common side effect of BSSO due to the proximity of the nerve in the lower jaw. This typically resolves as the nerves heal over the following months. We monitor this carefully throughout your post-operative recovery process.
Can I return to work quickly?
Most patients take about two to three weeks off work or school to recover from the initial swelling and fatigue. While you can often perform light tasks sooner, it is best to allow your body the necessary time to heal before returning to a full, busy schedule.
Are the plates and screws removable?
In most cases, the titanium plates and screws are left in place permanently as they are biocompatible and cause no issues. Removal is only required in very rare instances, such as if there is a persistent infection or hardware irritation. You will not feel them in your daily life.
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Please note

This article is general education and does not replace an in-person examination, radiographs or a diagnosis by a qualified dentist.

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