Simplified technique to reduce perioral edema in intraoral sagittal split osteotomies

A simplified technique has been developed for the prevention of the severe perioral edema that is routinely associated with intraoral sagittal split osteotomies of the ascending ramus of the mandible. By the use of gauze sutured through the cheeks in the region of the oral commissures, trauma caused by retraction of instruments is significantly diminished.