A jaw surgery is the treatment you need to correct the position of your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws. You will be asked to pay special attention to some critical aspects of postoperative care to quicken and ease your recovery. Some of these critical aspects include the need to keep off strenuous exercise.
Post-Operative Instructions after Jaw Surgery
There is a good reason why you should be very careful after your jaw surgery. Below are some post-operative instructions designed to help you with your recovery while helping you remain safe from re-injuring your jaws.
Elastics
Immediately after jaw surgery, the teeth are clenched tightly together. Your jaws are held in place by tight orthodontic elastics to help your jaws heal quickly. Over six weeks, the elastics will be loosened gradually, and you will finally be able to move your jaws. However, you can always cut these elastics in case of an emergency, such as vomiting, to prevent choking on your vomit.
Swelling
You will notice significant swelling on your face, lips, and jaw areas after surgery. Swelling is normal and often peaks 3 to 5 days after surgery. It should go away, with all forms of swelling gone completely after eight weeks. For this entire period, you should sleep with your head elevated.
Speaking
Swollen lips and elastics between teeth can make speaking challenging at first. However, speaking through the pain quickens your return to normal oral function.
Sutures
The sutures in your mouth should dissolve on the inside and then fall out. Most of the sutures are designed to take 4 to 5 weeks before they dissolve.
Recovery Time after Jaw Surgery
The time needed to fully recover after a jaw injury varies from person to person, and the time you take can depend on the type of surgery. However, you should plan to be off school or work for at least two weeks.
Exercises After Jaw Surgery
Exercise is considered the best part of your postoperative care. However, strenuous exercises after jaw surgery should be avoided to prevent the aggravation of the surgery performed and delay recovery.
Young Jun DDS MD FACS, 601 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. #9, Placentia, CA 92870 / (657) 216-1617 / placentiaoralsurgery.com / 12/22/2024 / Tags: dental implants Placentia CA /
A jaw surgery is the treatment you need to correct the position of your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws. You will be asked to pay special attention to some critical aspects of postoperative care to quicken and ease your recovery. Some of these critical aspects include the need to keep off strenuous exercise.