Jaw surgery recovery can be quite challenging and varies depending on the type of surgery and what part of the jaw is being operated on. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, recovery times may vary from several days to several weeks.
During the recovery period, patients may experience pain, swelling, soreness, temporary paralysis in the area, as well as changes to speech and hearing. Patients may also be given a device that is designed to guide healing and restrict movement in the jaw area.
Patients may also be required to follow a specific diet to help the healing process. In addition, physical therapy may be required to further assist with healing and the reestablishment of normal functioning.
Generally speaking, recovery time for jaw surgery ranges from several days to several weeks and patients should follow their surgeon’s advice during the process.
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How long does the pain last after jaw surgery?
The amount of time it takes for pain to subside following jaw surgery can vary from person to person and depends upon several factors, including the type of surgery performed and the individual’s pain tolerance.
Generally speaking, pain from jaw surgery can last for several days up to a few weeks. However, most patients will experience peak pain and swelling within the first 48 hours and then a gradual decrease in pain from there.
It is important to keep in mind that healing times can vary and, for some, it can take several months for all pain and swelling to completely subside. Therefore, it’s important to follow all instructions provided by your physician and stick to taking any prescription medications, eating soft foods and gently exercising the jaw as needed to help reduce pain and promote healing.
Is jaw surgery extremely painful?
Jaw surgery can be quite painful depending on the specific type and complexity of the procedure. Many people experience mild to moderate pain during recovery, although some types of jaw surgeries, such as surgical orthodontic treatment, involve less post-operative pain.
In some cases, a jaw surgery procedure may involve cutting the jawbone and repositioning it in order to correct severe misalignment. This type of jaw surgery can be quite painful, although pain medication and anesthetics can be used to reduce or eliminate pain during the surgery and in recovery.
Additionally, depending on the method of repositioning, special wiring, or fixation devices may be required to maintain the jaw in the desired position, and these can cause a significant amount of discomfort.
Any kind of jaw surgery can also cause swelling and stiffness of the jaw and even long-term facial nerve numbness, which can cause pain and discomfort.
What is the fastest way to recover from jaw surgery?
The fastest way to recover from jaw surgery depends largely on how complex the procedure was and how quickly the patient is able to heal. Generally speaking, the most effective way to recover quickly is to follow the instructions of your doctor closely and to adhere to the post-operative care instructions they provide.
It is important to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated to help your body heal and to minimize any discomfort. Additionally, you should take any prescribed medications, eat soft and nutritious foods, and regularly apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling or pain.
Continuing to practice good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, will also help ensure that your recovery process is as quick and successful as possible.
Other helpful recovery tips include avoiding any activities and/or movements that could be damaging or uncomfortable for your jaw, and to practice speaking and/or singing activities that may help increase the range of motion and strength of your jaw.
Attending follow-up appointments with your doctor and being honest about any pain or discomfort you are feeling can also speed up the recovery process. Ultimately, listening to your body and maintaining proper self-care will help you recover from jaw surgery as quickly as possible.
Why does my jaw hurt after surgery?
There are a variety of reasons why your jaw may be hurting after surgery. Depending on the type of procedure that was performed, different kinds of pain can be expected. For instance, if you had jaw reconstructive surgery, you may experience some pain due to swelling and bruising from the incision sites.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the procedure, you can experience muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, and swelling from being under anesthesia. You may also experience some degree of pain due to healing of the surgical sites, and it may take a few weeks for the pain to subside as your body becomes accustomed to the new arrangement of your jaw and mouth.
Lastly, if you had any bone work done or bone grafting, it is possible that the bone is healing slowly, causing pain and inflammation. It is important to speak to your surgeon who can provide you with more information on what to expect and what types of pain you may be experiencing in order to rule out any serious complications.
How long after jaw surgery can you shower?
It depends on the type of jaw surgery you had. Generally speaking, it is safe to shower 48-72 hours after jaw surgery. However, if you had stitches, you’ll want to wait until your stitches are removed before taking a shower.
Additionally, it’s important to follow the specific instructions you were given by your medical provider on the best way to care for your incision. For example, you may be instructed on when and how to apply certain ointments, when to switch to a special mouthwash and specific care instructions for closing or re-stabilizing your jaw.
It’s also important to not allow any direct water pressure to the incision while showering. If possible, you or a relative may want to help wash your hair, face and hard to reach places, using a sultable assistant or a hand held showerhead.
Finally, it is important to use lukewarm water when showering and avoid extremes of hot or cold water.
Can you brush your teeth after jaw surgery?
Possibly, depending on the type of jaw surgery. Generally speaking, soft foods should be eaten for the first day or so following jaw surgery and brushing your teeth should usually be avoided until after the first post-operative appointment.
This is due to the fact that brushing your teeth can inadvertently cause damage to the incision, which can affect healing and may cause pain.
If you had open jaw surgery, which is when your oral surgeon makes cuts in the mouth and jawbone to move the jawbone, then you should likely wait to brush your teeth for a few days. Eating soft foods for the first day or two helps to keep bacteria growth in your mouth at a minimum and reduces the risk of infection.
If you had jaw surgery through the use of a limited incision, or a minimally invasive approach, you are usually able to brush your teeth the day after surgery. You should use a soft-bristle toothbrush, a small amount of toothpaste and brush gently.
Aim to avoid the directly area of the incision, and use warm water and flossing after brushing to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums.
It’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for when and how to brush your teeth after jaw surgery. In addition, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup within a few weeks of your procedure to make sure your mouth is healing properly and that your teeth and gums remain in good health over the long term.
