Facial reconstruction and advanced jaw surgery represent some of the most complex intersections of medicine and dentistry. Patients facing conditions ranging from oral cancer and severe trauma to congenital jaw misalignments require a level of care that goes beyond standard oral surgery. Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) has established itself as a leader in the Northwest for these delicate procedures, utilizing a team of dual-degreed specialists who hold both medical and dental qualifications.
This article addresses frequent questions regarding advanced facial reconstruction, the revolutionary “Jaw in a Day” procedure, and the multidisciplinary approach that defines the HNSA advantage.
What is the “Jaw in a Day” Procedure?
One of the most significant advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery is the “Jaw in a Day” technique. Historically, patients requiring jaw removal due to tumors or severe pathology faced a grueling, multi-stage process. This often involved the initial removal of the jaw, followed by a period of healing, and subsequent surgeries to graft bone and eventually place dental implants. This process could span months or even years, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life.
The “Jaw in a Day” procedure streamlines this timeline into a single surgical event. During this operation, the surgeon removes the diseased portion of the jaw, reconstructs the jawbone using a microvascular free flap (often using the fibula bone from the leg), and places dental implants immediately. This allows the patient to wake up with a reconstructed jaw and, in many cases, immediate teeth.
Dr. Baber N. Khatib, a key member of the HNSA team, has been instrumental in bringing this advanced capability to the region. Having performed the first “Jaw in a Day” procedures in South Carolina, including operations on pediatric patients, he continues to advance this technique in Portland. The primary benefit is the immediate restoration of form and function, minimizing the psychological and physical burden on the patient.
The Role of Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery
Complex facial reconstruction often requires more than simple bone grafting. It demands microvascular reconstructive surgery, a highly specialized field where tissue—including skin, muscle, and bone—is transferred from one part of the body to the head and neck. This tissue is transplanted with its blood supply intact, requiring the surgeon to connect tiny blood vessels under a microscope to ensure the survival of the graft.
This level of expertise is essential for treating patients with extensive defects caused by oral, head, and neck cancer. By utilizing these advanced techniques, surgeons can rebuild the tongue, jaw, throat, and facial structures, aiming to restore the ability to speak, swallow, and chew. The goal extends beyond the eradication of disease; it focuses on returning the patient to a recognizable and functional state.
Who is a Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
While cancer reconstruction is a critical component of the practice, HNSA also specializes in corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. This is typically recommended for individuals with congenital or developmental jaw irregularities that cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone. Conditions such as severe overbites, underbites, open bites, and facial asymmetry often require surgical intervention.
Candidates for these procedures often experience:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Chronic jaw or joint (TMJ) pain
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Receding lower chin or protruding jaw
- Sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction
Through orthognathic surgery, the upper and lower jaws are repositioned to align correctly. This improves facial balance and ensures the teeth meet properly, which is vital for long-term oral health.
The HNSA Advantage: Dual-Degreed Specialists
A defining characteristic of Head & Neck Surgical Associates is the depth of training possessed by its surgeons. The practice is uniquely staffed by physicians who are trained in both medicine (M.D.) and dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.). This dual perspective is invaluable when treating the complex anatomy of the face, mouth, and jaws.
For example, Dr. Allen C. Cheng and Dr. Ashish A. Patel are both fellowship-trained in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. Their background allows them to approach surgical challenges with a comprehensive understanding of both the biological disease processes and the functional dental rehabilitation required post-surgery. Similarly, Dr. Lance Thompson brings specialized training in Cleft and Craniofacial surgery, addressing congenital anomalies in both adults and children.
Advanced Technology: Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)
Precision is paramount in facial surgery. HNSA utilizes computer-aided virtual surgical planning (VSP) to enhance accuracy and outcomes. Before the patient enters the operating room, high-resolution CT scans are used to create a 3D virtual model of the patient’s skull.
Surgeons can simulate the surgery on the computer, pre-planning the exact cuts and movements of the bone. This technology allows for the fabrication of custom surgical guides and plates that fit the patient’s unique anatomy perfectly. Whether performing a facial trauma reconstruction or a complex jaw realignment, VSP reduces surgical time and improves the predictability of the result.
Hospital Partnerships and Multidisciplinary Care
Complex medical conditions often require a team-based approach. HNSA maintains strategic partnerships with major health systems in Portland to facilitate comprehensive care.
Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Clinic
Through a collaboration with the Providence Cancer Center, HNSA providers offer world-class care for benign and malignant tumors. This program provides patients access to multidisciplinary teams comprising physicians, speech pathologists, nutritionists, and social workers. Furthermore, this partnership allows access to cutting-edge clinical trials and immunotherapy options.
Legacy Good Samaritan and Trauma Care
Dr. Cheng serves as the Medical Director of the Oral/Head and Neck Cancer Program at Legacy Good Samaritan. Additionally, for over three decades, HNSA doctors have been integral to the trauma team at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Oregon’s busiest Level I Trauma Center. They provide 24/7 management for acute facial injuries, ensuring that patients rushed in by air or land receive immediate, expert reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Recovery and Access
What is the recovery timeline for jaw surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. For corrective jaw surgery, patients typically experience swelling that peaks within the first week and gradually resolves. A soft-food diet is usually necessary for 4–6 weeks to allow the bones to heal in their new positions. The surgical team monitors this progress closely to ensure optimal healing.
Do I need a referral?
While some patients are referred by their general dentist or orthodontist, particularly for orthognathic surgery or dental implants, others may be referred by medical doctors for pathology or trauma. Patients are encouraged to contact the office to discuss their specific needs and insurance requirements. HNSA also provides a physician referral form to streamline communication between providers.
Does HNSA perform dental implants?
Yes. In addition to complex reconstruction, the surgeons at HNSA are experts in dental implant surgery. Whether replacing a single tooth or reconstructing an entire dental arch following tumor removal, implants are a core part of restoring full function to the patient.
Head & Neck Surgical Associates remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in facial reconstruction and oral surgery. By combining dual-degree expertise, fellowship-level training, and advanced technology like virtual surgical planning, the team offers patients in the Northwest access to premier surgical care. From the revolutionary “Jaw in a Day” procedure to precise corrective jaw surgery, HNSA focuses on restoring not just anatomy, but quality of life.
Patients and referring providers can stay connected with the latest updates, patient success stories, and educational resources by visiting the HNSA social media channels. Follow the practice on Facebook and LinkedIn for news, or visit the Google Business Profile for reviews and directions to the Portland clinics.
About Head & Neck Surgical Associates
Head & Neck Surgical Associates is the Northwest’s most specialized surgical practice, uniquely staffed by dual-degreed, board-certified physicians trained in both medicine and dentistry. Based in Portland, Oregon, their team offers expert care in head and neck surgery, oral and maxillofacial procedures, and facial cosmetic surgery—backed by advanced fellowships and decades of focused experience. Patients trust HNSA for precise diagnoses, complex surgical treatment, and comprehensive care from true leaders in their field.
