Postoperative Instructions

Wow, these post op instructions are really helpful. They cover swelling, jaw joint pains, jaw opening, and recipes, etc. Very nice! Wish I'd come across them earlier. Specifically:

TEN DAYS TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the ten day to four week period after surgery, stand in front of the mirror and open and close your jaw 3-4 times a day when your elastics are off. A good time to do this is after you have eaten and cleaned your mouth. At this point you should be able to get one finger in between your teeth. By four weeks after surgery you should be able to get two fingers in between your teeth.

DO NOT USE FINGER PRESSURE ON YOUR TEETH TO HELP STRETCH YOUR JAW OPENING AT THIS TIME.

Your jaw is weakest ten days following your surgery. Simply move your jaw forward and backward, and side to side, and open and close, while attempting to stretch your jaw muscles. Moist heat placed on the side of your face before and during these exercises may make them more comfortable and effective.

FOUR TO EIGHT WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the fourth to eight weeks after surgery, you should be able to get two fingers between your front teeth very comfort­ably. 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.

EATING
In the past, and occasionally at the present time, teeth are wired together after jaw surgery. This allows the bones to heal while they are being held still. In the majority of cases today, we use small bone plates and screws to hold the bones still to assist in healing. Support is also given by the splint and elastic traction. This allows the jaw to move and function during the healing period of 8-12 weeks. It must be remembered, however, that the bones are not completely healed and are being stabilized only by the screws and plates. Therefore, we encourage a gradual progression of movement and use of the jaws, keeping in mind that adequate healing does not take place until approximately 8-12 weeks. REMEMBER: Your jaws are weakest at 10 days.

DAY 10 TO DAY 28 AFTER SURGERY:
Food during this period does not need to be liquid. It can consist of soft foods that require minimal chewing. This can consist of mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft pasta that is cut into small pieces, soft rice dishes, or soft sandwiches that are cut into small pieces. One can also eat the foods that were eaten during the initial period. Light chewing can start during this period of time.

4 WEEKS TO 8 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
At this point, chewing can be attempted. The food must be initially soft, progressing into softer meats such as hamburger and soft chicken. The portions should be small so as not to place too much force on the healing bones. Soft fish dishes are also excellent. You will find that your jaw will tire easily. This will continue for the first 2-3 months until your jaw muscles have accommodated for your new jaw position. Avoid eating food which requires chewing for prolonged periods of time.

REMEMBER: IT TAKES 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR INITIAL HEALING OF YOUR JAW OR JAWS AND 3 TO 4 MONTHS FOR A FULL BODY HEALING. If the jaw is hit or bumped early after your surgery, this may cause some shifting in the jaw and bite, SO BE CAREFUL!

This is also an excellent site for information:

WILL IT BE DIFFICULT TO TALK AFTER THE SURGERY?
You should expect some soreness in lengthy conversations; however, the more you talk, the more you exercise your weakened muscles and aid your recovery. You may be sore but try not to depend on writing notes to communicate. Go ahead and say it!

HOW SOON AFTER SURGERY WILL I GET MY BRACES OFF?
This depends on the complexity of the procedure and type of problem you have. Studies show that people grow very impatient with the braces at 6 months postoperatively and can become depressed if the braces are not off by then. You can insure that your braces come off as soon as they can by keeping appointments and wearing elastics as prescribed.

WHAT IS LEFT TO BE DONE ORTHODONTICALLY AFTER SURGERY?
With the use of elastics and different archwires, we will complete final bite detailing. There is often some space closure and final root positioning left to be done the last few months as well. Cooperation from the patient during this time will play a large part in the completion of treatment.