Prognathism

Alternative names:

extended chin

Home care:

It is appropriate to see the dentist or orthodontist for abnormal alignment of the jaw and teeth. However, also contact your primary health care provider to rule out disorders that can be associated with prognathism.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is difficulty talking, biting, or chewing related to the abnormal jaw alignment.
• other symptoms are also present.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting prognathism in detail may include:

• Is there any family history of an unusual jaw shape?
• Is there difficulty talking, biting, or chewing?
• What other symptoms are also present? Are there headaches?

Physical examination will include a detailed examination of the mouth and jaw, and examination for signs of disorders that can be associated with prognathism.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• skull X-ray
• dental X-rays
• imprints of the bite (a plaster mold is made of the teeth)

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to prognathism to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial