It doesn’t matter what type of surgery it is; the constant stream of pain that comes after is nothing short of miserable. Sure, in most cases, you can recover from it after some time, but when it comes to oral surgeries, you need to invest a lot of time and care. Jaw surgery recovery is by far one of the hardest to bounce back from.
If you’ve had to undergo jaw surgery or are currently on the path of recovering from it, this blog is just what you need!
What to Expect After Your Jaw Surgery
Undergoing jaw surgery can be quite off-setting. Not only does it mess with your diet and overall routine, but it can also weigh you down big time. Whether you’ve had jaw surgery for an underbite, implant insertion, facial trauma or any other cause, your dentist will most likely provide you with specific instructions for post-surgery care.
This can include things like maintaining your oral hygiene and paying extra attention to what you eat. Essentially, the healing time for jaw surgery lasts anywhere between six to twelve weeks. However, in some cases, your dentist might recommend further procedures to fix your teeth if needed, such as braces, retainers, mouthguards, etc.
How to Boost Your Jaw Surgery Recovery Time
There are various ways you can speed up your jaw surgery recovery time. By following the tips mentioned below, you’ll be munching down on your favorite snacks in no time! Sometimes, all it takes is a little careful monitoring of your diet and cutting out harmful habits from your life. Take a look!
- Pay Close Attention to What You Eat
Eating anything crunchy, crispy, hard, or tough can cause more harm than good. No matter how strong your cravings are, refrain from giving in to them until your wounds heal. - Keep Away From Strenuous Physical Activities
Physical activities that require moving and running a lot can be extremely hazardous. Your stitches might pull open, or you could slip and fall. In either case, it’s best to avoid overexerting yourself at any cost. - Avoid Smoking
Smoking tobacco is hazardous even in a normal state. But it can be even more critical when you’re trying to recover from straining jaw surgery. It’s better to cut this habit from your routine once and for all. - Make Sure to Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Although this goes without saying, brushing your teeth and flossing your gums are super important. Your oral hygiene can significantly impact your recovery time, which is why maintaining it is a given. - Don’t Skip Out on The Medications
When your dentist prescribes you medicines, it’s for your own good. Rather than abandoning the course halfway, make sure you finish it all. - Take Time Off From Work or School
Whether you’re a student or an adult that works, rest is essential for all. Take time off your schedule to relax and take care of yourself. - Keep Alternating Between Hot & Cold Compresses
If moving your jaw is too painful, apply a hot or cold compress to ease the ache. Keep alternating between the two temperatures when needed. - Opt For Liquids Over Solid Foods
In the initial days of your jaw surgery recovery timeline, it’s better you stick to liquids rather than solid foods. This will allow the wounded site to heal faster without any food remains getting stuck and causing a bacterial infection. - Elevate Your Head to Avoid Swelling
When lying down or sleeping, make sure your head is elevated. This will prevent the pain from going south and reduce the swelling in your jaws.
What’s The Takeaway?
In conclusion, if you want to speed up your jaw surgery recovery time, you need to pay close attention to what you eat. Go for soft foods and liquids if you can, all the while avoiding harmful habits like smoking and drinking, etc. For more information, contact Katy Cypress Oral Surgery at (281) 667-0607.