Incidence of complications and problems related to orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: This retrospective report evaluates the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications of orthognathic surgery and their relevance.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The clinical records and radiographs of 301 patients who underwent surgery at Chosun University Dental Hospital, Korea, over an 8-year period between 1998 and 2005 were examined.

RESULTS

The most common complication was a neurosensory deficit in the region innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve. The most serious complication was severe intraoperative bleeding. No complication was fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the great variety of severe complications reported, their frequency seems to be extremely low. Orthognathic surgery appears to be a safe procedure.