Hospital Stay
It is usual to stay 1-2 nights in hospital following your procedure. You will be monitored for hydration and pain in the initial days, once you are comfortable and eating and drinking adequately you will be able to go home to continue your recovery.
Recovery
Following your surgery, recovery may take several weeks and your jaw movements will be limited initially. Plan to take at least two weeks off work or school. A medical certificate is supplied and additional time can be provided if you require.
Swelling & Bruising
Swelling is a normal response and usually reaches its peak at around 3-4 days following surgery, it will improve over the following 2-4 weeks. Each patient is different, but bruising to the face & neck is not uncommon and typically begins to fade after the first week. To help reduce swelling and bruising try to sleep with your head elevated and using cold packs where possible (but should not be placed directly on skin).
Bleeding
Bleeding may occur after oral surgery and responds well to direct pressure. If bleeding occurs, use sterile gauze to apply direct, firm pressure to the bleeding site for one hour. If bleeding persists, please contact me. It is also common to have some bleeding overnight and wake with blood on your pillow. (Tip: place a towel or protective sheet over your pillow to prevent staining.) Sleeping with your head slightly elevated may help reduce this.
Discomfort
Always occurs to varying degree. Initially, it is important to take the pain killers regularly. Discomfort should decrease after the first few days pain killers can gradually be reduced and eventually ceased. Muscle soreness may persist for at least a few weeks after your surgery. This is normal, gentle jaw movement exercises can be done as soon as comfortable. Regular movement will help with reducing swelling and improving jaw opening.
Nausea
Nausea and/or vomiting following oral surgery is common and may relate to medication or swallowed blood. It is wise to have clear fluids only for the first 12 hours. If nausea is a problem or if vomiting persists, please contact me.
Numbness
Numbness to the lip, tongue & chin is expected following jaw surgery. It is typical for feeling to gradually return over the weeks to months following surgery. This will have been discussed with you at the time of your consultation and will be monitored as your recovery progresses.
Infection
Antibiotics will have been prescribed post-operatively to prevent infection. It is important to finish the course even if there are no problems. If there are any additional signs of infection later in your recovery, such as an unexpected increase in swelling or pain or the presence of discharge, please contact me.
Elastic
You may have elastic bands attached to your teeth/braces, these are to help support your jaw and guide your bite. These should be continually used according to their instructions. Once the jaw is more comfortable these can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth, then put back on afterwards. It is important that these go back on the same hooks they were on before removing them. It is advisable to count the teeth/hooks (to take photos if you can) so that elastics are put back in the same pattern.
Stitches
Dissolving sutures are used in almost all cases. These will begin to dissolve and fall out approximately 5–14 days after surgery. You may notice creamy or grey areas at the surgical site – this is normal healing tissue and not infection. This will gradually disappear as you heal.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene following your surgery is essential. Brushing your teeth may be difficult in the first weeks due to limited opening, but preserving important. Use a small soft toothbrush (a child’s toothbrush might be helpful) and if you can only brush the outside surfaces of your teeth initially that’s okay. Rinsing after 2 days with a mouth wash is recommended: use a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Cepacol or Savacol rinses etc may also be used. This should be done at least 4 times per day, particularly after eating and before bed to keep the area clean.
Diet
A liquid or non-chew diet will be necessary for the first four weeks, progressing to a soft diet at around week 4 and building up over time to return to a normal diet around 6- 8 weeks after surgery. It is important you are still receiving adequate nutrition for your recovery. Avoid using straws for the first 2 weeks.
Mood
On about the third or fourth day after surgery, you may have mood swings and feel lethargic. This is a normal healing phase following surgery. Gentle movement and correct nutrition will help your mood and recovery.
Post-op Appointments
We have scheduled your first post-op appointment and will arrange additional reviews at regular intervals as required. Your orthodontist will also require regular appointments to monitor your recovery. It is very important to attend your post-op appointments and to have any required x-rays taken as requested.
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