Post-Operative Instructions: Jaw Surgery

Please review and follow the post-operative instructions for jaw surgery to avoid complications and promote proper healing.

• GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING!
• Notify our office if you have increasing drainage from your incision or recurring fever (>101.5° F) for more than 12 hours.
• Facial swelling will increase for the first 48–72 hours. Apply ice packs (20 minutes on/20 minutes off) and keep your head elevated (extra pillow or recliner). Most of the swelling will resolve within the first few weeks; however, healing will continue for 4–6 months.
• Bruising may occur after a few days. In some cases, the bruising may extend onto your upper chest.
• You may shower without restriction.
• NO SMOKING!!!
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Brush the teeth gently with a child size soft bristle brush (no other substitutes). You may use toothpaste. Your gums will have reduced sensation. Be careful not to injure the gums while brushing.
• Use salt water rinses (a glass of warm water with ½ teaspoon of salt) after meals and before bedtime.
• If the teeth are rubber banded together, please try to limit your jaw motion. The rubber bands may be cut with scissors in case of a true breathing emergency (notify the doctor afterward).
• If you are given an antibiotic, it should be taken as directed.
• The pain medication can be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• While the teeth are rubber banded, meals may include liquids such as juice, broth, milk products (including soy, rice), and liquid supplements (instant breakfast, Boost^®, Ensure^®). No chewing. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to begin chewing. Most large pharmacies carry a variety of supplements in different flavors. It is generally easier to sip directly from a cup, but you may use a straw if you like. You should try to have four to six meals a day to be sure that you are receiving ample nutrition and hydration.
• DO NOT LIE IN BED ALL DAY. This can lead to pneumonia and blood clots. Light activity is acceptable, even good. Try to be out of bed during the daytime.
• YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE IF YOU ARE TAKING PAIN MEDICATION.
• Please notify your doctor if you feel that your bite has shifted.
• You can call Fresno Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery (559) 226-2722 for any questions or concerns.

In addition to the above, for UPPER JAW SURGERY patients:

Nasal congestion and minor nosebleed are expected. You may sniff back or wipe the nose, but do not blow. You may use saline nasal spray to loosen clots and mucus. Afrin^® Nasal Spray may be used for severe congestion, but no more than two consecutive days.

Post-Surgical Aftercare – Follow-up After Surgery

We understand that the first week after surgery can be difficult. Although swelling peaks at 2–3 days after surgery, it can take up to a week to notice a decrease. 2 weeks after surgery, usually 70% of the swelling will resolve. For the final swelling and numbness to subside, it will take weeks to months after surgery. It is not unusual to be more swollen or numb on one side vs. the other.

One week after surgery, you will follow up with your oral surgeon. If you need to be seen sooner, it will not be a problem. At 1 week, the swelling should begin to come down. At this point you should still be on a liquid diet.

Splint – In rare cases, a splint is left in after surgery. If this is the case, your doctor will remove it 1–2 weeks after surgery.

6 weeks – You can blow your nose 6 weeks after surgery. We will again assess your bite and change the elastic pattern if needed.

8 weeks – Typically, you may begin chewing food 8 weeks after surgery.

Please contact our office at any time if you have any questions about your procedure or issues with your recovery.