What Tests and Scans Do I Need Before Jaw Surgery?
Before orthognathic surgery, your care team needs detailed information about your facial structure. Here are the tests typically required.
A comprehensive workup is required before orthognathic surgery to plan the procedure with precision. The main tests include:
- 1. Cephalometric X-ray (ceph X-ray):
- A side-view X-ray of your entire skull
- Used to measure the angles and relationships between your jaws, teeth, and facial bones
- Essential for surgical planning
- 2. Panoramic X-ray (Panorex):
- A wide view of your entire mouth
- Shows all teeth, jawbones, sinuses, and the TMJ
- Used to check for hidden issues
- 3. CBCT scan (cone beam CT):
- A 3D scan of your facial bones
- Provides millimeter-precise measurements
- Used for computer-aided surgical planning and 3D printing of surgical guides
- More detailed than traditional X-rays
- 4. Photographs:
- Front, profile, and three-quarter views of your face
- Smiling and resting photos
- Intraoral (inside the mouth) photos of your teeth and bite
- 5. Dental impressions or 3D scans:
- A record of your teeth and bite relationship
- Used to create study models and surgical splints
- 6. Medical evaluation:
- Blood work (CBC, coagulation panel)
- EKG (for older patients or those with heart conditions)
- Anesthesia evaluation
Clinical Guidance
Before jaw surgery, you will need a cephalometric X-ray, panoramic X-ray, 3D CT scan, facial photographs, and dental impressions. These tests allow your surgeon to plan the procedure with millimeter precision for the best possible outcome.