View more from Listerine
Switch to Dark theme

References

Hsu YC, Li J, Hu J, Luo E, Hsu MS, Zhu S. Correction of square jaw with low angles using mandibular “V-line” ostectomy combined with outer cortex ostectomy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2010; 109:(2)197-202
Flett AM, Hall M, McCarthy C, Marshman Z, Benson PE. Does the British Orthodontic Society Orthognathic DVD aid a prospective patient's decision making? A qualitative study. J Orthod. 2014; 41:(2)88-97

The other side of facial cosmetic surgery

From Volume 42, Issue 7, September 2015 | Pages 687-688

Authors

Srinivas Sulugodu Ramachandra

Department of Periodontics, Kanti Devi Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Articles by Srinivas Sulugodu Ramachandra

Ashish Kumar Singh

Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Malaysia

Articles by Ashish Kumar Singh

Article

A 23-year-old female patient of Korean nationality reported to the Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University with a chief complaint of pain in the upper left region of the mouth. The patient provided a history of intermittent, radiating type of pain around the maxillary left first molar persisting for one year. The consumption of cold and hot food were the aggravating factors for pain. On intra-oral examination, the maxillary left first molar and adjacent teeth were free of dental caries and periodontal disease. An intra-oral periapical radiograph revealed widened periodontal ligament space and loss of lamina dura around the root of the maxillary left first molar (Figure 1). The maxillary left first molar and left second premolar did not respond to electric and thermal pulp testing. Testing of the contralateral teeth elicited normal responses to these tests.

Figure 1. Intra-oral periapical radiograph showing widened periodontal ligament space and loss of lamina dura (small red arrows) around the roots of the left maxillary first molar. Titanium pins can be appreciated at the top end of the radiograph (bigger red arrow).

The patient revealed a history of facial cosmetic surgery done around 3 years back, undergoing chin augmentation and v-line surgery (orthognathic surgery) in Korea. The patient also revealed loss of sensation around the lower left region of the lip. An orthopantomogram showed titanium pins around the zygomatic region and the chin (Figure 2). The patient was advised that loss of sensation in the lower left region of the lip and loss of vitality of teeth could be possible sequelae of facial cosmetic surgery. Endodontic therapy was advised for the non-vital teeth.

Figure 2. Orthopantomogram showed titanium pins (red arrows) around the chin and the zygomatic region placed for chin augmentation and orthognathic surgery.

Orthognathic surgery is a complex and risky procedure performed primarily for functional reasons.1 The craze for aesthetics and availability of cheap surgical options in some parts of the world has led young females to opt for surgical options.2 Opting for surgery to enhance aesthetics is obviously a very personal decision, however, patients should be informed of the possible complications involved in such procedures. Flett et al studied the views of potential orthodontic patients regarding the influence of the British Orthodontic Society Orthognathic DVD in their decision-making process.3 The participants opined that the DVD gave trusted information that patients cannot obtain or process from professional sources or the Internet. If used properly it can have a role in the decision-making process for the patient.3 Patients should obtain reliable information from trusted professional sources and should weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of surgical procedures before opting to go under the scalpel.