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Jaw Surgery Before and After, you should know the basic things you should expect. You can learn about pre-operative orthodontics and post-operative pain medication. You will also learn about ice applications and dietary progress. You may also be interested in the results of dental implant surgery. The procedure is relatively simple, but the recovery time is quite long. You can expect to be out of the hospital the day of the surgery and back to work within two weeks. For the first few days following the surgery, you should stick to a liquid diet. Baby food or pureed meals are good to eat during the first few days.
Pre-operative orthodontics
A few weeks before your scheduled jaw surgery, your orthodontist will apply a final wire to hold your teeth in their final pre-operative position. Your orthodontist will determine when to place the wire, but a general rule of
thumb is six to twelve weeks before the surgery. The wire will remain in place during the pre-op planning process. During this time, your orthodontist will perform pre-operative checks and will apply orthodontic rubber bands to guide the development of your bite.
Patients with a favorable Spee curve have few underlying problems. Patients with pre-operative orthodontic treatment tend to have minor crowding of the anterior teeth. In addition, they have a normal range of angles between their upper and lower incisors. In addition, patients undergoing jaw surgery are often highly motivated to get their smiles back as quickly as possible, which is why they often choose surgery first.
Post-operative pain medication
Pain management for patients after major surgeries involves multiple medications that reduce the feeling of pain. The type and dosage of the medication prescribed depend on the procedure, expected recovery, and patient needs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and celecoxib, and opioids, such as morphine or oxycodone, may be used. The same medications may also be given orally and can include Tylenol or Advil.
During the first week after surgery, patients may experience some aching. This should subside after several weeks, although they should contact their doctor if the pain becomes severe. The stitches placed in the mouth will be removed after two to three weeks, but you should be aware of the fact that you’ll need to change your oral hygiene products at least twice a day until they dissolve completely. After the surgery, patients should begin a routine of movement exercises, such as moving their jaw open and closing.
Ice applications
Patients should follow their oral surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully to ensure a quick recovery. The most important thing to remember is to apply ice on and off for at least 24 hours after surgery. Applying ice to the jaw will make it feel less stiff and will reduce swelling and pain. You can use a moist heat application instead of ice. This will increase blood flow and speed up your healing.
After undergoing jaw surgery, you may experience some swelling, pain, and bleeding. Ice can help decrease the swelling by constricting blood vessels, causing minimal fluid to move out of the tissues. You should apply ice for at least 20 minutes on and off, beginning on day one, then continue the ice application for at least the next two days. If you do not feel comfortable with ice application, a warm water bottle can help you get through the first 24 hours after jaw surgery.
Dietary progress
A patient can make some progress when it comes to diet after jaw surgery. A patient who had surgery using a wired-closed jaw is encouraged to switch to a liquid diet. One to two months after surgery, a high-protein diet is encouraged to accommodate increased nutritional needs. In the initial recovery period, patients should aim for five to six small meals a day instead of three large ones. Juices and blended or pureed foods are better tolerated than soft foods.
After surgery, the patient can gradually resume eating regular food. However, during the first week, the patient will have limited appetite. As soon as the jaw is no longer held tightly together, he or she should start cutting foods into smaller pieces and consume at least three to four liters of fluids per day. The patient should continue to see Dr. Payne every few days to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. While it may be difficult to get accustomed to a liquid diet, it can promote healing and reduce the chance of infection.
Sleep apnea
While many people opt to have jaw surgery to improve their appearance, other patients may choose this procedure to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which the muscles and jaw bones collapse during sleep, obstructing the airway. Other symptoms may include headaches, excessive sleepiness, and fatigue. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems and memory loss.
In addition to corrective jaw surgery, patients may opt for this procedure if conservative treatment has been ineffective. This procedure involves moving the jaws forward to improve airway space. Most patients are very
satisfied with the results of this procedure. They have a normal occlusal relationship after the procedure, and 90% of the patients are satisfied with their results. Patients with pre-operative mandibular retrognathia may be good candidates for jaw surgery because of its anatomic cause of their sleep apnea.
Infections
After jaw surgery, patients are encouraged to practice proper oral hygiene and take their prescribed medications. During the initial healing phase, patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day and rinse their mouth with warm salt water before and after meals. Patients should also take prescribed antibiotics and use sterile gauze pads to cover the exposed areas of the jaw. It is essential to follow the instructions of your dental provider to avoid an infection.
After oral surgery, it is normal to experience swelling and numbness. Pain medication may help reduce swelling and numbness, but a fever is not a good sign. Swelling may persist for several days, even though it will likely go away on its own. Infections after jaw surgery can spread to other areas of the body if a person has a low immune system, is diabetic, or has a compromised immune system. Patients should visit their doctor as soon as they notice any of these symptoms.
