Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery involves moving all or part of the upper and/or lower jaw into a more favorable position. After the jaws are moved into their new position, rubber bands or wires attached to the teeth may be used to fasten the jaws together doing healing.

After the Procedure:

You will be observed in the Recovery room until you are stable.

You may be transferred to the Intensive Care unit for 24 hours observation.

From here you will be transferred to a surgical unit within the hospital.

Discharge Instructions:

Keep your mouth clean:

Rinse your mouth with a pre-brushing rinse such as Plax or Anti-Plaque.

Use a children’s size soft toothbrush.

Brush from the front and sides of teeth after meals and at bedtime.

Rinse again.

Wax loose ends of wires.

Keep a wire cutter with you:

Cut wires only if you are gagging or choking and the fluid cannot be expelled though the mouth or nose.

Cut the two wires on each side of the mouth that attach the top and bottom tooth together.

The thin fine wires can be cut with household or sewing scissors. If wires are cut notify the surgeon immediately.

Care of skin properly:

Keep skin clean and apply topical antibiotics to any wounds.

Use facial moisturizers to sooth chapped or dried skin.

Use lip moisturizer or petroleum jelly.

Eat well:

Begin with clear liquids such as broth.

Advance to pureed foods prepared in a blender or food processor.

Include Ensure or other high-calorie supplement in your daily diet.

Carry snack foods with you such as juices, broths, yogurt, pudding, etc.

Create a feeding device for thicker consistencies of foods by using a food baster or a 60cc syringe with three inch tubing attached to insert the food into the jaw area of the mouth.

Eat slowly.

Communication:

Speaking may be difficult at first but will improve as swelling decreases.

Take precautions:

Place a fist under the chin for support if coughing or yawning.

Sneeze through the mouth.

Wipe the nose, DO NOT BLOW!

Don’t use a decongestant without the physician’s approval.

Sucking on straws is discouraged.

Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Avoid water sports and contact sports.

Prepare for the trip home:

Get oral and written instructions before leaving the hospital.

Have ice packs or cold packs ready with cloth fabric to wrap them in.

Call your doctor if you:

Cut your wires.

Have nausea or pain.

Have a clear watery leakage from the nose or ear.

Are loosing more than 2 pounds a week.

Experience pain that is not relieved.

Develop a fever of 101F/38.3C or more.