Living with jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or a misaligned bite isn’t something you should have to accept as normal. At Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery, we provide jaw surgery in Fargo for patients dealing with a wide range of jaw-related concerns, from chronic discomfort caused by developmental issues to trauma that throws your bite out of alignment. If jaw problems are affecting your sleep, your confidence, or your ability to eat comfortably, we’re here to help you find a lasting solution.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects structural problems of the jaw and facial skeleton. These issues can stem from genetics, injury, or abnormal jaw development, which can affect how your teeth come together. When the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, the effects ripple into daily life in ways that go beyond appearance. Chewing becomes painful. Speech can be affected. Sleep may be disrupted. When braces or other dental treatments can’t fully resolve the problem, jaw surgery offers a functional, long-term correction.
Our surgeons work closely with your orthodontist or dentist to coordinate care before, during, and after surgery, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Jaw surgery isn’t the answer for every bite concern, but it’s often the right one when other treatments haven’t worked. Patients who benefit most tend to experience:
- Frequent jaw pain, clicking, or popping related to TMJ disorders
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Significant overbites or underbites that braces alone can’t correct
- Breathing problems tied to jaw position, including sleep apnea
- Facial or jaw injuries that have affected bite alignment
If you’re not sure whether surgery applies to your situation, a consultation gives you concrete answers without any pressure or guesswork.
5 Key Benefits of Jaw Surgery in Fargo
Patients who undergo jaw surgery often describe improvements that surprise them in both scope and impact. The most commonly reported benefits include:
- A more balanced, functional bite that makes eating comfortable again
- Clearer speech and greater confidence in conversation
- Meaningful reduction in chronic jaw and facial pain
- Improved airway function and better sleep quality
- Greater self-confidence from a more aligned facial structure
These aren’t cosmetic perks. They’re functional changes that affect how you feel every single day.
Our Approach to Jaw Surgery
Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery is home to two board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart, which is uncommon for a practice of our size and an advantage for our patients. Having two experienced surgeons collaborating under one roof means your case receives a more thorough review and more consistent support throughout every phase of treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is one of several procedures we perform as part of comprehensive oral and maxillofacial care in Fargo. Whether your case involves bite correction alone or overlaps with other surgical needs, our team has the training to handle complex situations with confidence. For patients also managing impacted wisdom teeth, our wisdom teeth surgery services are available at the same practice, keeping your care coordinated in one place.
Comfort during surgery matters too. We offer a range of anesthesia services so that every patient can go through their procedure in a way that feels manageable and calm.
Jaw Surgery FAQ
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to work or school within two weeks, though full healing takes several months. Swelling and mild soreness are expected in the early weeks but improve steadily.
Is jaw surgery safe?
When performed by board-certified oral surgeons with orthognathic experience, the procedure carries a strong safety record. We use current surgical techniques designed to reduce risk and support a smooth recovery.
What can I eat after surgery?
You’ll be on a soft food diet initially. We provide specific guidance for each stage of recovery, so you always know what to expect.
Does insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by plan, and functional jaw surgery is often eligible for medical or dental benefits. We help you review your options before anything is scheduled.
Do I need orthodontic treatment too?
In many cases, yes. Jaw surgery is typically part of a coordinated treatment plan that includes braces or aligners before and after surgery. We work directly with your orthodontist to keep everything on track.
Why Patients Choose Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery
The combination of two board-certified surgeons, a collaborative care model, and a focus on patient communication sets us apart. You can meet our surgeons and get to know our full team before your first appointment, so you’re already familiar with the people who’ll be caring for you.
We’re conveniently located in Fargo and accepting patients from across the region who need surgical care they can count on.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
Jaw pain and bite problems don’t improve on their own, but they do respond well to the right intervention. If you’ve been putting off a conversation about surgical options, reach out to us directly, and we’ll start with a straightforward consultation, no jargon, no pressure, just answers.