Can I Get A Jaw Angle Implant Just For The Right Side?

Q: Dr. Eppley, ‘m considering a jaw implant on my right jaw. My situation might be a little untypical compared to a typical jaw angle implant patient, so let me explain my situation. 

Several years ago I had a cyst removal from my right jaw. This removal surgery changed the way my right jaw angle looks. I feel that before the cyst removal my right jaw was more angular, wider, better looking. The problem is worse the slimmer I am: the slimmer I am, the worse the right jaw looks. 

I’m happy with the way my left jaw looks, it hasn’t changed at all. 

One thing that I have to clarify: I want my right jaw to look more angular. It doesn’t have to look like it looked before the the cyst removal operation. I want it to look as good as possible. If it looks the same as before the cyst removal, good. If it looks different but better, that’s even better. The goal is to make my right jaw look as good as possible – the goal isn’t to make it look like it was before the operation. 

So basically I want my right jaw to look better. Maybe later I can consider a left jaw implant, or it might be that I’m happy with my new right jaw and I don’t need a left jaw implant. I also realize that my jaws won’t be symmetrical, but it won’t bother me too much – and if it would bother me, I could get an implant to the left jaw. 

1. Is it possible to insert a jaw angle implant only on the right jaw? If so, would it be off the shelf implant or a custom one? 

2. If I decide that I want a jaw angle implant on my left jaw after the right jaw operation, is it possible?

A: Thank you for your inquiry and detailed explanation of your objectives. In answer to your questions:

1) There is no problem with just placing a right jaw angle implant only.

2) Whether that would be a standard or custom jaw angle implant depends on what the bony anatomy looks like. This requires a 3D CT scan to determine.

3) A left jaw angle implant can be placed secondarily.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana