Enlarged Jaw & the Types of Condylar Hyperplasia

Have you ever noticed that one side of your face appears larger than the other? In most adults, the face is asymmetrical and it is often found the right side of he face is larger than the left. While asymmetry is common, when the enlargement on one side of the face is abnormal significant, and noticeable, this may be a basis on which to seek out medical attention.

A condition known as condylar hyperplasia is a complication by which the face is more asymmetrical due to a complication with the jaw line, or mandible. Through evaluation with a physician, and the use of diagnostic x-rays and studies, your physician can confirm if the presence of condylar hyperplasia is a concern and, if so, what type of hyperplasia of the face you may be experiencing.

As a general rule, there are two types of condylar hyperplasia - HH and HE. With each complication, there are standard procedures and health concerns that must be addressed including complications with feeding, eating, speaking, and even complications associated with the other senses and a greater risk for developing colds and infections along the sinuses. But, with each of these types of facial hyperplasia, there can be unique complications.

If your physician has diagnosed you with HH, also known as hemimandibular hyperplasia, this means you have an enlargement along your mandible that is impacting three areas of your facial structure, including the condyle, the neck of the condyle and the ramus of the mandible. In other words, this type of facial hyperplasia, resulting in an enlargement of your face to one side, there may be a greater complication associated with repair or correction. Fortunately, this type of hemimandibular hyperplasia is rare and less common than its counterpart - HE, also known as hemimandibular elongation.