Orthognathic surgery is a procedure many patients may feel hesitant to get, but with proper planning and preparation can be the best way to correct bite and jaw problems that are primarily due to the position of the jaw bones . While intensive, it can help patients find relief and establish a healthY, balanced bite. And Olson Orthodontics is here to help! Our expert team is here to provide you with quality care before, during, and after surgical treatment. If you’re preparing for surgery, here are tips to help you have a successful recovery.
Tips After Surgery
After surgery, it’s important to follow any instructions your surgeon advises. During this time you’ll have to pay special attention to a few things to ensure a quick and successful recovery.
- Take Your Medications: Your doctor/surgeon will prescribe you pain medications to ease the discomfort and pain. This will also help speed up recovery. Make sure to follow the directions and instructions your doctor/pharmacist recommends. Over-the-counter medications are often now used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Manage Pain: After the procedure, it’s normal to experience minimal bleeding, swelling, and bruising. For care, apply ice to your jaw for 30 minutes, remove for 20 minutes, and repeat for the first 24 hours. This should help the swelling go down after a few days.
- Change Diet: Chewing may be restricted and difficult, therefore, your diet will change over the next couple of weeks after surgery. This means you’ll be mostly eating liquid foods, such as soup, yogurt, smoothies, or even mashed and pureed foods. Cooked pasta noodles are also a good option. The key is to avoid or minimize moving the jaw and give it rest to heal. Instead of eating large meals, try eating in smaller portions throughout the day and possibly supplementing meals with protein shakes and or smoothies.
- Maintain Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will be important post-surgery to avoid infections. This means you’ll have to brush and rinse multiple times each day, but because of the pain, it can be hard to do. Start small with subtle brush movements. Avoid any mechanical toothbrushes as the intense vibrations to your jaw may cause pain. When you go to sleep, elevate your head using extra pillows when it’s time to go to bed.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Surgery is traumatic to the body and will require rest for recovery. Take it easy the first week.
Avoid any sports or strenuous activities that could dislodge blood clots and lead to bleeding. You should be able to resume most of your daily activities after the first week, but always check with your surgeon first.
Get Orthognathic Surgery Now!
Are you thinking of getting orthognathic surgery, or any other type of orthodontic treatment? Come see us at Olson Orthodontics! Dr. Olson and his staff are highly qualified, trained experts to give you the best orthodontic treatment you need. Contact us today to schedule your first visit! If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our Litchfield Park and Verrado/Buckeye, AZ offices. We are happy to help you get started!