Jaw surgery can be life-changing for many patients dealing with jaw misalignment, facial imbalances, or other structural issues. Whether you’re preparing for upper or lower jaw surgery, a smooth recovery after jaw surgery is essential for optimal healing and the best outcome. At Sunridge Oral Surgery, located in the NE of Calgary, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the recovery after jaw surgery to ensure your return to full function and comfort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of recovery after jaw surgery, covering everything from the immediate post-op period to complete healing in the weeks and months following the procedure.
Understanding Jaw Surgery: What It Entails
Before diving into recovery after jaw surgery, it’s important to understand the nature of corrective jaw surgery. The procedure corrects the position of the upper or lower jaws, or sometimes both. This can include repositioning the upper jaw or adjusting the lower jaw. In some cases, chin surgery is performed to bring balance to the face.
Both jaws may be repositioned to correct issues like open bites, underbites, or other problems that make chewing, speaking, or even breathing difficult. Recovery after jaw surgery is a journey that requires patience and diligence, but the benefits are often life-changing.
The First 24 Hours: Immediate Care After Surgery
The first 24 hours after your surgery are critical for setting the tone for a successful recovery after jaw surgery. You will likely experience some discomfort and swelling, but these symptoms are normal.
Your surgeon will give you with detailed post-operative instructions, which include keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling, taking prescribed medications, and using ice packs on your face to manage discomfort and swelling.
Avoid strenuous activities during this time, and focus on rest. Keeping your head elevated while you sleep, using pillows or a recliner, will help reduce swelling and improve circulation to the area, aiding in recovery after jaw surgery.
Dealing With Swelling and Discomfort During Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Swelling management is one of the most noticeable side effects of jaw surgery, especially in the first week. Applying ice packs during the first 48 hours is the best way to reduce swelling. After the initial days, you can switch to moist heat therapy to help with muscle stiffness and encourage blood flow for healing.
Expect the swelling to peak around the third day and gradually decrease over several weeks. While the majority of the swelling will subside after a few weeks, some minor puffiness may persist for several months. Be patient and follow your surgeon’s advice on managing discomfort throughout the recovery after jaw surgery.
Oral Hygiene: Keeping Your Mouth Clean While Healing
Maintaining good oral care and hygiene after jaw surgery is essential for preventing infections and promoting healing. During the initial recovery after jaw surgery, your surgeon will advise you to avoid brushing your teeth around the surgical areas for the first few days.
However, you can rinse your mouth with warm water or a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash to keep the area clean.
Once your surgeon gives the go-ahead, you can gently start brushing your front teeth and areas away from the surgical site using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to avoid irritating the surgical area or dislodging stitches during the recovery after jaw surgery.
The Importance of a Liquid and Soft Diet
In the first week after surgery, you’ll be on a liquid diet to avoid putting stress on your jaws while they heal. During this time, consuming nutritious liquids like smoothies, protein shakes, and broths will help you maintain your energy levels and ensure proper nutritional intake.
Adding protein supplements to your diet is a great way to ensure you’re getting enough nutrition, which is vital for the healing process.
As you progress through your recovery, you’ll gradually transition to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Avoid chewing hard foods until your surgeon gives you the green light, as this could disrupt the healing process.
Managing Jaw Movement and Exercise
During recovery, limited movement is crucial for proper healing. Your surgeon may advise you to wear elastics or a splint to hold your jaws in place. Initially, your movement will be restricted, and your muscles may feel tight.
Over time, your surgeon will guide you through gentle exercises to restore flexibility and strength. Don’t rush this process—trying to move your jaw too early can lead to complications or delay healing. Incorporating jaw exercises gradually will help in regaining full function.
Pain Management and Discomfort Relief with Pain Medication
After surgery, you will experience varying levels of discomfort and pain relief, especially during the first week. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to manage pain and keep you comfortable. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and take the medication as prescribed. If you have concerns about your pain levels, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon.
In addition to pain medication, applying moist heat or ice packs can help alleviate soreness and reduce swelling. Keep track of your pain levels and adjust your activities as needed, especially during the first several weeks.
Monitoring for Complications During Recovery After Jaw Surgery
While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of signs that your recovery isn’t going as planned. If you experience excessive bleeding, a sudden increase in pain after it had started to improve, signs of infection like fever, or numbness in your lips or jaw that doesn’t resolve, contact your surgeon right away. These could be signs of an issue that may need to be addressed.
Regular follow-ups with your surgeon will allow them to monitor your recovery and make adjustments to your care plan as needed.
Returning to Normal Activities: Exercise and Work
Your recovery timeline will vary depending on the complexity of the surgery involved, but you can expect to take at least two weeks off from work or school. During this time, avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise, as they can increase blood flow to the face and lead to complications like bleeding or swelling.
As your bones heal, you’ll gradually be able to resume your regular activities. However, be mindful of your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard, especially during the early stages of recovery.
Long-Term Healing and Adjustments
The full healing process after jaw surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the procedure. While most patients see significant improvement after the first few weeks, complete healing may take up to a year. During this time, you will continue to have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress.
You may also need orthodontic treatment post-surgery to help align your teeth. Braces or other devices are commonly used to fine-tune the results of the surgery, ensuring that both your upper and lower teeth are perfectly aligned for optimal function.
Maintaining Patience and Positivity Throughout Recovery
Recovery after jaw surgery can be a challenging process, both physically and mentally, requiring emotional support. It’s important to remain patient and positive during this time. Some patients may feel frustrated with the limitations on their diet or movement, but remember that every week brings you closer to your full recovery.
Stay consistent with your surgeon’s instructions and maintain good hygiene to ensure the best possible outcome.
Conclusion: What to Expect in Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Recovering from jaw surgery is a gradual process that requires patience, proper care, and attention to your surgeon’s advice. From managing swelling with ice packs to sticking to a liquid diet in the early days, each step in recovery plays a crucial role in achieving the best results.
At Sunridge Oral Surgery, we’re here to guide you through the recovery process. With the right approach to post-operative care, your jaws will heal, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of improved jaw function and facial balance.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our experienced team, contact us at Sunridge Oral Surgery in Calgary, Alberta. We’re dedicated to providing top-quality care for our patients throughout North Calgary and the surrounding areas.
