Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is jaw surgery a major surgery?
The procedure is considered safe for suitable candidates. But it’s important to keep in mind that it is a serious surgical procedure, which can involve a 3-4 day hospital stay.
2. Is orthognathic surgery painful?
You will be completely pain-free during the procedure because you will be under general anaesthesia. Some patients report mild discomfort following surgery, for which you will be given painkillers in recovery process.
3. How long does it take to heal from orthognathic surgery?
Initial jaw healing typically takes about six weeks after surgery, but complete healing can take up to 12 weeks. After initial jaw healing at about six weeks, your orthodontist finishes aligning your teeth with braces.
4. Are there any risks associated with jaw surgery?
When carried out by a skilled maxillofacial surgeon, these procedures are generally very safe to carry out. Few risks associated with surgery are blood loss, infection, nerve injury, and relapse of the jaw movement.
5. When can I fully open my mouth after jaw surgery?
It could take 10-14 days after surgery. Try opening and closing your mouth in front of a mirror. You should be able to fit at least one finger between your teeth after ten days. This should progress to three fingers between your teeth.
6. Can I brush my teeth after jaw surgery?
You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery. Initially, simply use a soft toothbrush and warm water. Brush after each meal and stay on the teeth and surrounding gums and avoid the incision sites.
7. Can I yawn after a jaw surgery?
The mandible is the moving jaw and therefore discomfort is precipitated with increasing movement, such as chewing, yawning, and talking. Reduction of these activities for the first few weeks following surgery alleviates the discomfort.
8. How do I eat if my jaws are wired together after surgery?
Most patients do not need to be wired or rubber banded closed for more than 2-3 weeks, and in many cases, even lesser time is required. It is difficult to eat, speak, or brush your teeth during this time. You must adjust to a liquid or pureed diet. During this period, some weight loss is normal.
9. How long is the orthognathic surgery?
The length of your orthognathic surgery is approximately two to three hours.
10. Do I have to be a certain age to have orthognathic surgery?
In order to undergo surgery, you must be at such an age that your jaws have stopped growing to achieve results which are not altered by bone growth. For girls, this usually means being 16 or older and for boys aged 18 and above. Orthognathic surgery can be performed on more mature adults as well, provided you are in good health and you are willing to commit to orthodontic treatment prior to surgery.