If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your teeth, you’re not alone. Over half of Americans admit to having the same issue. In most cases, the problem is misaligned teeth.
Thankfully, there’s a remedy to less than perfect teeth. Through jaw surgery, you can have perfectly aligned teeth within no time. To ensure the best results of this procedure, it helps to know how to ensure total recovery the moment you leave your jaw surgeon’s chair.
This post will go over everything you need to know about recovering from jaw surgery, from what to expect during your hospital stay to how to take care of yourself once you’re home. We hope you’ll have all the necessary information to make a smooth and successful recovery by the time you’re done reading.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Before the surgery, you’ll meet with your jaw surgeon to discuss the procedure and any risks. You’ll also be given specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting for a certain period beforehand.
The day you get corrective jaw surgery, you’ll likely be given general anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure.
Once the corrective surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where you’ll be closely monitored. You may experience some swelling and bruising after the surgery, which is normal.
Your oral surgeon will provide you with pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
Helping Your Jaw Recover
Taking care of your oral surgery site is important to help ensure a speedy and successful recovery. Here are some tips to help you achieve total surgery recovery.
Get Enough Rest
Depending on the extent of the oral surgery you have, you may be able to go home the same day. For more complex procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights.
Either way, it’s important to get plenty of rest after oral surgery. This will help your body heal and reduce the risk of complications.
Watch What You Eat
Surgery can cause nausea and vomiting, so it’s important to eat light, bland foods easy on your stomach. Try toast, crackers, rice, chicken soup, or applesauce.
Avoid spicy, greasy, or sugary foods. Also, stay away from alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery.
You might be thirsty, but it’s essential to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Stick to water, ginger ale, or sports drinks.
Practice Cold and Hot Compressing
Applying a cold compress immediately after surgery will help reduce swelling, while a heat compress applied later on will help ease any pain and stiffness. It’s important to listen to your body and not apply too much pressure, but these simple treatments can make a big difference in your recovery time.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Keeping your head above your heart helps to reduce swelling and encourages drainage, both of which are crucial for healing. It’s important to find a comfortable position that you can maintain for extended periods of time, as this will help you avoid additional pain and discomfort.
You may need to prop yourself up with pillows or use a reclining chair, but however you do it, make sure that your head stays elevated.
Do Gradual Jaw Exercises
Start doing jaw exercises as soon as you can. These exercises help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around your jaw, which can reduce pain and improve mobility.
There are a number of different exercises you can try, including some specifically meant for your temporomandibular joints. Your surgeon or physiotherapist can guide you on which ones are best for you.
With regular practice, you should significantly improve your jaw movement and pain levels.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
During your recovery time, take care of your mouth and teeth to promote healing and avoid infection. Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential, but be careful not to brush too vigorously or irritate the surgical site. You may also need to use a special rinse or gel prescribed by your doctor.
Potential Complications and How to Deal With Them
Like any other surgery, dental surgery comes with a certain amount of risk. Potential complications can include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. In some cases, jaw surgery can also lead to temporary nerve damage, which can cause numbing or tingling in the jaw and lips.
While most people recover from dental surgery without any problems, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. If you experience any complications after your surgery, contact your doctor or dentist right away. In most cases, complications can be easily treated and resolved.
The Importance of Follow-up Appointments With Your Surgeon
Once the surgery is completed, it is important to schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress.
During these appointments, your surgeon will check for any complications and make sure that your jaw is healing properly. Follow-up appointments are essential for a successful jaw surgery recovery, so don’t skip them.
Ensure Quick Recovery Following Your Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is a big deal. Whether you’re getting your wisdom teeth out or undergoing a more serious procedure, it’s important to know what to expect before and after the surgery. More importantly, you need to do your part to ensure a quick and complete recovery.
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