You probably will be required to stay in the hospital overnight following orthognathic surgery (in some cases, patients remain hospitalized for up to three days).
Following surgery, 7 to 10 days of recovery will be necessary. Post-operative pain should be expected and will probably be most severe the first day. It will diminish each day thereafter. Strong pain medicine is not commonly required.
You will experience swelling during this initial healing period. It should peak on the second or third day following surgery. To reduce swelling, it is recommended that you apply an ice pack to your jaw immediately following the procedure - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off - for 24 hours.
Your temperature might be slightly elevated for 24 to 48 hours. If this continues beyond that time, notify your surgeon. Also, a sore throat may develop and you may have a slight earache. These conditions are temporary. If the corners of your mouth are stretched out, they may dry or crack. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
Jaw function will be restricted for four to six weeks to give the bone time to heal. You will be able to talk and open your mouth. However, your ability to eat will be greatly compromised. A liquid/soft diet of soups, Jell-O, pudding, custards, and blenderized foods will be prescribed (good nutrition is essential for proper healing and must be maintained). Have your meals at the usual times.
To prevent post-operative infection, you should maintain good oral hygiene. Starting 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of warm water) four to six times each day. Repeat after every meal or snack. Resume your regular tooth brushing when able, but avoid disturbing the surgical site.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Both are detrimental to the healing process.
It is recommended that you return to all normal activities as soon as you feel capable
Six to eight weeks following jaw surgery, you will return to your orthodontist and orthodontic treatment will resume. This will frequently last six to twelve months.
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