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.
10-14 days following surgery: Stand in front of a mirror and attempt to open and close your mouth. At ten days you should be able to get at least 1 finger between your teeth. This will increase gradually in the next several weeks. Simply move your jaws open and closed then side to side.
New bone will grow around these plates and screws and don't need to be removed. If you do need to be wired shut, it's usually only in the initial phase of healing and not for the entirely of your recovery. If your doctor wants you to be wired shut, it's usually for a good reason.
Four To Eight Weeks After Surgery
Near the eighth week, you should be able to approach placing three fingers between the front teeth. At the sixth week you can begin using GENTLE finger pressure between the front teeth on each side to help gently stretch your jaw muscles, increasing your opening.
Jaw surgery sometimes means that your jaws have to be wired shut for several weeks to heal. This makes it hard to eat. You will have to drink your meals through a straw or syringe. Liquid meal supplements, such as Ensure and Boost, help make sure that you get protein, vitamins, and minerals.
If You Vomit
Bend forward or roll onto your side. Put your finger inside your cheek and pull your cheek out. All the vomit will come out of your nose and mouth while you continue to lean forward. It is not recommended that you try to cut your elastics when you think you are going to vomit.
From a dental and oral hygiene point of view, it's really bad for your teeth. Having your jaw wired shut means you can't brush your teeth properly. There will be a lot of build up as you will probably be salavating more, and you won't be able to floss either, meaning anything could be getting stuck between your teeth.
There is frequently some temporary numbness in the upper and/or lower lips. Numbness, facial swelling and soreness can make eating and drinking a difficult task at first. No straws, spitting, smoking, or carbonated beverages for 3 weeks after surgery. No abrasive foods such as popcorn, chips, seeds or nuts.
It is not unusual for you to experience aching and discomfort in the muscles and jaw joints for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. Dr. Stefanuto or Dr. Fisher should be informed if the discomfort appears to increase, not decrease, over time.
The amount of swelling that will take place in your cheeks will make it very difficult to brush your teeth. In fact, you should not brush your teeth for 1 full week after surgery, otherwise the incisions can be damaged and bleeding may start.
Remember, the wires or rubber bands can be stretched or broken, causing the problems noted above, or teeth can be loosened and damaged. Don't try to fight them and open or move your jaw. If you need to cough, sneeze, or yawn, use your hand to support below your chin to avoid the tendency to try to open your mouth!
You can expect to about 5–10% of your total body weight during the first 6 weeks following your surgery. A rapid loss of weight during the first week is usually due to fluid loss. After the first 6 weeks, you can progress slowly to a normal diet.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
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.
After Jawbone Surgery
Therefore, after your surgery, try to avoid strenuous activities. Bending, driving, or lifting may dislodge the clot and cause you to bleed. So, gradually progress the intensity of your movement, limiting how you talk, eat and drink for the first day after your oral surgery.
Your jaw may be held together with elastics. After a few days, these may be loosened, or you may be advised by your orthodontist that they can be taken off during mealtimes. You will need to eat a soft diet which needs very little chewing for at least six weeks after the surgery.
Jaw Surgery Recovery Timeline
Once you return home, you will be on a liquid diet for two weeks. After this, you can slowly begin adding foods such as cooked, mashed foods such as mashed potatoes, hummus, refried beans, and mashed, cooked vegetables.
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic (or-thog-NATH-ik) surgery, corrects irregularities of the jaw bones and realigns the jaws and teeth to improve the way they work. Making these corrections may also improve your facial appearance.
After oral surgery, you may have a challenging time falling asleep. While this is normal, you should be aware that there are things you can do that will help keep the swelling down-and, in turn, speed your recovery and assist you in sleeping comfortably.
Keep your head elevated above the level of your heart at all times. Do not lay flat. Sleep in a recliner if possible or propped up with 3 pillows. Ice should be used for the first 48–72 hours.
You may find it difficult to talk and be understood the first week or so after fixation. Be patient and try not to be frustrated if people cannot understand you. Talk as slowly and as distinctly as you can. Carry a pen and pad for especially difficult times, but do not become too dependent on them.
Thin refined, enriched cooked cereals such as Farina, Grits, Malt-O-Meal, Cream of Wheat, or Cream of Rice with milk. Mash cooked white or sweet potatoes and thin with milk. Soups with noodles, rice, or vegetables may be liquefied in a blender.
Jaw wiring, also called maxillo-mandibular. (max-ILL-oh-man-DIB-you-lar) fixation, or MMF, is a. procedure where the jaw bones are wired together.