Post-Op Instructions for Jaw Fixation Surgery in Cincinnati, OH

Recovery after jaw fixation requires extra care, especially during the early healing period. At Queen City Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon and team want you to know that your mouth may still open after surgery, but small elastic bands may limit movement to help guide healing. During this time, it is important to protect the surgical area, maintain good nutrition and follow all home care instructions closely.

Eating, Drinking and Daily Care

Your diet will need to begin with pureed or very soft foods. Focus on staying well hydrated and choosing nourishing liquids and blended foods that are easy to manage. Nutritional drinks and liquid vitamins may also help support healing if eating is difficult at first.

Good oral hygiene is still important during recovery. Use a soft toothbrush and clean gently with short circular motions around the teeth and mouth. A water irrigation device may also help keep the mouth cleaner during healing if our office has recommended it. If you had an incision through the skin, keep that area dry and covered until the sutures are removed.

Nausea, Discomfort and Activity

You may receive medication for nausea after surgery. Use it at the first sign of nausea as directed. Because elastic bands may be in place, it is important to keep a small pair of scissors nearby in case vomiting occurs. If you ever need to cut the elastics, contact our office right away for further instructions.

Pain medicine may be provided in liquid form or in pills or capsules that can be crushed or mixed with a beverage if needed. Take all medications exactly as directed. Eat before taking medication to help reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol during recovery. If you are taking a narcotic pain medicine, do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions while using it. If you take a blood thinner other than aspirin, follow medication instructions from our office carefully before using ibuprofen.

Please also keep activity light while you heal. Normal movement is usually fine, but sports, heavy lifting and strenuous physical work should be avoided during recovery.

Tightness, Follow-Up and When to Call

Some jaw tightness may happen from time to time during healing. This can be related to muscle spasms and is often temporary. Warmth may help improve comfort if this continues.

Sutures placed through the skin are often removed about five to seven days after surgery, and a post-op visit may be recommended during that time. Please contact Dr. V. Russell Boudreau Jr., Dr. Scott L. Thatcher, or Dr. Jaspreet Singh if you have concerns, if you need to cut the elastics or if anything during healing seems unusual. Contact us with any questions or concerns.