How do you survive jaw surgery?

5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery
  1. Drink your meals.
  2. Add easy-to-chew foods.
  3. Keep pain under control.
  4. Take care of your lips.
  5. Give yourself the recovery time you need.


Is jaw surgery a risky surgery?

Jaw surgery is generally safe when done by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often in collaboration with an orthodontist. Risks of surgery may include: Blood loss. Infection.

How painful is jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is usually not painful.

This misconception makes the whole procedure seem utterly invasive and is supported by thousands of photos of bruised and swollen people after undergoing orthognathic surgery, so it may be difficult to believe that very few patients report actual pain.


How hard is jaw surgery recovery?

Generally, surgery to the facial bones will require a 2-week recovery period, during which time you will experience less energy than normal. This recovery period will be longer if your jaw has been wired closed. It is important to rest and maintain a high calorie diet during this time in order to adequately recover.

Do they break your jaw for jaw surgery?

cut the bone of the lower jaw, which allows the surgeon to carefully move it into a new position. move the lower jawbone either forwards or backwards into a new position. place plates or screws to hold the adjusted jawbone in its new position. close the incisions in your gums with stitches.


10 Things to Know About Orthognathic Jaw Surgery



Is jaw surgery worth having?

However, while the thought of invasive procedures and having corrective or cosmetic jaw surgery is both intimidating and time-consuming, most patients feel the benefits of orthognathic surgery are life-changing and well worth the time and effort.

What are the cons of jaw surgery?

The corrective jaw surgery can have adverse side effects like numbness, loss of hearing, extreme pain, and increased drooling. Moreover, corrective jaw surgery is ten times more expensive than non-surgical treatments for correcting malocclusions.

How many hours does jaw surgery take?

If only an upper or lower jaw requires surgery, your surgery will typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. If both upper and lower jaws need orthognathic surgery then the procedure will take between 3 and 4 hours to perform.


How long is bed rest after jaw surgery?

For the first 3-4 days following surgery please limit your activity. It is important that you not confine yourself to bed.

Is it hard to talk after jaw surgery?

Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.

What is the best age for jaw surgery?

When do you perform jaw surgery? Often, the optimal time for jaw surgery is after the jaw stops growing, usually in the later teenage years—typically ages 17 to 21 for boys and ages 14 to 16 for girls.


Can you be awake during jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is used to reposition the jaws, and correct any imbalance between the upper and lower jaws. This allows the teeth and jaws to meet together correctly. You have the surgery under general anaesthetic. This means that you are asleep and do not feel anything.

Is jaw surgery a major surgery?

Jaw surgery is a major surgery that can disrupt your life for several weeks and months.

How painful is jaw surgery recovery?

In the first days of recovery after orthognathic, patients will experience the most significant amounts of pain and discomfort. Swelling, drooling, and issues with numbness will similarly be most pronounced during this time, as will problems sleeping due to jaw pain.


How jaw surgery changed my life?

Easier Eating

Misalignment in the jaws often causes difficulties in chewing, biting and swallowing – and if you have a bite problem, certain foods may even be off-limits. After corrective jaw surgery, your teeth will meet properly and you will be able to eat anything you like with ease.

How common are jaw surgery complications?

While serious complications are fairly rare, there are some possible risks to be aware of if you're considering jaw surgery. Most common short-term complications of orthognathic surgery include: Temporary numbness or tingling, most commonly occurring at or near the chin, nose, lips, cheeks or tongue.

How do you swallow after jaw surgery?

Close the lips together and swallow. If you have difficulties with this then try doing it in front of the bathroom mirror over the sink. You will find this gets easier the more times you drink. (3) You should be drinking a fair amount of fluid after jaw surgery.


How long do you wear a jaw bra after jaw surgery?

INSTRUCTIONS for CARE of WOUND The pressure bandage (Jaw Bra) should be worn continuously for about 48 hours. After 48 hours, the bandage may be used as a jaw “support” as needed. Many patients find that it is useful for several days until jaw strength improves.

What happens if I chew after jaw surgery?

Eating and drinking can be painful after jaw surgery. Chewing regular food is harder because of the wires, metal plates or elastics in your mouth. Chewing food after surgery can be painful and slow down your healing. After surgery, it is very important to eat and drink enough to help you heal.

Can you feel the screws after jaw surgery?

If you're like me and don't have braces, they'll put some temporary metal screws in your jaws that you can feel (if anyone would like pictures, please email me!) but they are taken out pretty painlessly a few weeks after.


What not to do after jaw surgery?

Activity
  • No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 3 weeks after surgery.
  • Limit exercise to walking for the first 3 weeks. Walking is encouraged.
  • You may return to light housework or daily activities during the first week. ...
  • No contact sports or sports involving a ball for 12 weeks.


What not to do before jaw surgery?

The day before surgery will be the 'cleanse' period for you. This means you'll have to fast and not eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before surgery. This will be when you stop taking any medications to prevent any adverse reactions during surgery unless directed to by your doctor.

Does jaw surgery change your smile?

Jaw Surgery Benefits

Secondary psychological benefits to note include a cosmetic revision and a boost of self-confidence. Jaw surgery also corrects what many call a gummy smile. The best smiles expose the least amount of gum tissue.


Does your face change after jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery to correct an over-bite is often undergone to correct a “gummy smile.” The corrective surgery for this moves the jaw backwards and significantly alters the appearance of the chin, giving it a stronger, more pronounced look on the face.

Does jaw surgery change your nose?

It is worth noting that although mandibular orthognathic surgery would not directly change the nasal structure a relative change in appearance to the nose can be brought about by changing the position of the chin and vice-versa, Figure 1. Surgery to the maxilla will undoubtedly have effects on the nasal appearance.