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What You Can and Cannot Do After Jaw Surgery
Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin
All patients experience pain or discomfort after jaw surgery. The level of discomfort differs from patient to patient and impacts the quality of life after surgery. Doctors often impose restrictions in many areas of life, but there are things that all patients are allowed to do after jaw surgery.
What Can You Do After Jaw Surgery?
Maintaining Hygiene
No surgeon will prevent you from bathing or cleaning up your body after jaw surgery. We recommend staying away from hot tubs, pools, or spas for at least two weeks due to the higher risk of exposing your jaw incisions to water. Exposure to water can lead to bleeding. You should also take care of your mouth by brushing and using mouthwash if your jaw is wired shut.
Eat Nutritious Liquid Foods
Proper nutrition is also vital for proper healing. Start with soft blended foods immediately after surgery and then advance to soft foods. Remember to stay hydrated through adequate intake of fluids. Steer clear of nuts, meat, and other crunchy foods for four months.
Rest Adequately
Adequate rest is highly recommended after jaw surgery to help with the healing. Six hours of bed rest under pain relief medication is common with jaw surgeries.
Conduct Light Duties
You can partake in light household or office chores after three days. The swelling and pain will have gone away by this time.
What You Should Not Do After Jaw Surgery
Do Not Drive and Operate Machinery
You should not partake in any activity that relies on great mental coordination and judgment 48 hours after an anesthetic treatment. Narcotic drugs and antibiotics are given for pain relief and infection control, which can further compromise judgment. So, do not drive or operate machinery for 72 hours.
Do Not Exercise Strenuously
Steer clear of rigorous exercise or strenuous jobs that raise blood pressure. These can dislodge blood clots and cause bleeding. Muscle stress can also dislodge dental implants, screws, and wires.
Do Not Drink Or Smoke
Alcohol and cigarettes create risks, including bleeding and slower healing. The toxins in alcohol and cigarette smoke hinder the normal healing process and assimilation of nutrients.
Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370; (623) 738-2564; arrowheadoralsurgery.com; 11/8/2024; Related Phrases: Dental Implants Glendale AZ;