Procedure: Bone graft and dental implants maxillary and mandibular after MVA
Surgery February 2008 - December 2008

After my accident my mandible was completely shattered. Dr. Crayton Walker was able to completely rebuild the mandible bone. I didn't think I would be able to chew any real food again and I didn't think my chin would ever look normal again. But after just a few bone grafts and a small titanium plate my whole jaw looks fantastic. I even lost most of my teeth in the bottom of my mouth. Now with the implants and the jaw reconstruction I look great and I am no longer embarrassed to go out in front of people. Dr. Crayton Walker is a miracle worker. The things he was able to do with my jaw is amazing! I wouldn't trust any other Maxillofacial Surgeon to work on me. Dr. Walker is the best there is!

Ryan Averett August 11, 2009
Age: 25

Procedure: Mandibular osteotomy with set back
Surgery May 2004

Having had my jaw pop eating since I was roughly 12 years old, as well as watching my bite continue to shift off center since coming out of braces; it was clear to my parents that I would need surgery at some point to live a comfortable life. Dr. Walker had performed my wisdom teeth extractions three years prior to the jaw procedure. Over those three years, he was very meticulous with monitoring my growth as well as changes with my alignment and bite. When it appeared as if I was done growing he began to explore surgical options for me. My parents were impressed with his unwillingness to proceed before he was sure I was ready. We all felt very comfortable with Dr. Walker and his approach to the procedure, which was very important. Equally as important was the work he did to try to have insurance cover some or all of the surgery. Though the petition was ultimately denied we proceeded and I havent had my jaw pop once nor been in any pain or discomfort as I had been on a daily basis prior to the operation.

David Mack March 2, 2010
Age: 26

Procedure: Complete joint replacement of the right TMJ
Surgery December 1996

A year after my jaw was broken in a car accident, my right TMJ was fused. I could only open my mouth about 10 mm. My mother researched and asked around the medical community for the best Oral Surgeon and she got several recommendations for Dr. Crayton Walker. I was pretty traumatized that I would have to have yet another jaw surgery (I had three after the accident). However, with Dr. Walker's experience and assurance, and his staff's kindness, I was well prepared. Surgery went well. Dr. Walker spent several hours trying to remove the old hardware from previous surgeries. After a few months of physical therapy and daily jaw exercises my opening improved to 40mm and I could once again enjoy a burger without smashing it or taking it apart. The care I received was excellent and I am very happy with the results.

Jaimie Cogswell July 14, 2009
Age: 30

Procedure: Bilateral TMJ surgery
Surgery April 1992

I first visited Dr. Walker's office at the age of thirteen. I had experienced jaw pain for about six month's previous to seeing Dr. Walker. I had visited various other doctors but experienced no relief. I was then referred to Dr. Walker's office by my dentist. After consulting with Dr. Walker it was decided that my best option would be surgery. Following surgery I have experienced very little jaw pain. I have been very pleased with the care Dr. Walker and his staff have provided me. Through the past seventeen years I have regularly gone for check-ups and appreciated the level of concern Dr. Walker has shown. My jaw pain has completely subsided and I am able to live a very normal life. When I walked into Dr. Walker's office at the age of thirteen my jaw was like that of a seventy year old woman. Today I am functioning like a regular thirty-one year old and am very grateful for Dr. Walker and his staff.

Estee Ann Hunt July 26, 2009
Age: 31

Procedure: Complete joint replacement bilateral TMJ with prosthetic replacement. Skin graft to anterior mandible.
Surgery December 1992

I originally came to you during the last part of November 1992 complaining of pain, discomfort and lack of movement of my right and left temporomandibular joints.

I was injured on August 17, 1990 when the driver of car made an illegal left hand turn in the intersection of 5400 South & Redwood. The driver of the car did not see me in the intersection pulled out in front of me. I was unable to steer clear and directly struck the vehicle in the right passenger door.

As a result of this accident, I sustained multiple injuries to my right hand, left scapula, right and left shoulders, multiple contusions and scraps on both legs and impact injuries to both knees. I had a life threatening fracture at the base of my skull, multiple fractures throughout the orbit and nasal areas, and additional injuries to my face, and nose. I had sustained deep wounds, embedded with glass, in my left elbow, and my lower jaw (chin) was completely broken in half No one was sure where my left and right condyles where or even if they had survived the impact of my face with the asphalt. Since the accident I have developed severe arthritic degeneration of most of my cervical spine.

I'm sure that when I came to your office I must have looked a little strange having lost all my teeth except the top and bottom canine teeth. I was told that I resembled Dracula .

Initially, I was treated at Cottonwood hospital where my jaw was set and wired closed. Over the next year I was treated by different doctors and specialists. After my more serious injuries were stabilized, I came to you seeking a second opinion on what options were available to repair my jaw. I had previously spoken with another surgeon about my jaw and was not comfortable with the options as presented by him and a peer group he had submitted my case to. Their suggestion was to do nothing after removing the wiring and to hope for the best.

Although you leaned on the conservative side, you supported me and my strong feelings that something had to be done. After further discussion and a thorough review of my medical records, you agreed to operate. Your initial plan was to find out where the condyles were and then you would decide whether to use a "total" TMJ replacement or "partial" on one or both sides. I had complete unwavering trust in you and complete faith in God.

It was obvious the next morning, that I had found the right doctor, when you excitedly came into my hospital room confirmed that my feeling had been right and that this surgery had not been an elective surgery but was essential to my recovery and that to have waited, as others had recommended, would have been catastrophic.

After 19 years, I think I am still your "poster" patient, Thank you so much for what you gave back to me and thank you for fighting it out with the insurance company and making sure I got the best care possible, God Bless you.

R. Smith
Age: 50