Oral Surgery

Commonly asked questions about surgery:

1. How much pain will one experience?
   Pain is individually specific, meaning that it varies from one individual to another.   It can, however, be described as a sore feeling or a feeling of discomfort.
   
2. How long will I experience discomfort?
   Discomfort also varies from one patient to another, but on an average, approximately 2-4 weeks.  The level of discomfort is more severe days after the surgery, but progressively goes away over time.  Your oral surgeon may prescribe medications which helps with the discomfort.
   
3. Will there be any scars?
   Most incisions are done inside the mouth so usually no incisions or scars are to be expected on the face.
   
4. Will my teeth be wired together?
   No.  Because of advances in orthognathic surgery techniques, no wiring of the jaws is needed.  This allows the patient to open and close your mouth days after surgery.
   
5. When will I be able to eat solid foods?
   Your diet following surgery will consist of soft foods.  Soft foods would include the following but not limited to:
   
   • Blenderized Food
   • Scrambled eggs, grits
   • Flavored rice
   • Pasta with a tomato or cream sauce
   • Baked potatoes
   • Soups with very soft ingredients
   
   So be creative, your choices are not as limited as you may think.  Eating more normal foods comes along with the healing process.  As you begin to heal and your muscles get stronger, you will be able to eat a more normal diet.
   
6. When will I feel comfortable going out in public?
   Appearance is important although you will be your worst critic.  You will be more aware of your appearance than family members around you.  Most bruising that may occur will be gone in the first week.  Swelling, however, takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to dissipate.
   
7. How long will I miss work or school?
   The length of time you are away from work or school depends on:
   • your age
   • your overall attitude
   • your ability to follow directions
   • your surgical procedure and the estimated recovery time
   • your work type
   
   For those with physically demanding jobs or jobs that require talking constantly, the time for returning may be slightly longer than normal.  Usually patients are able to return to work or school after 2 weeks.
   
8. When can I exercise?
   Exercising is important but we must begin slowly and work up to a full routine.  Walking in moderation is good because it aids in the healing process by increasing circulation and muscle strength.
   
9. Will it be difficult to talk after surgery?
   Yes.  To a certain degree because your muscles are sore and weak.  By talking, you do increase muscle strength, which helps with overall healing.
   
10. How soon after surgery do the braces come off and what else is to be done?
    This stage of treatment is known as postsurgical orthodontics and could last up to a year.  Following directions is very important in finishing your case.
    
    During this stage, we are primarily using elastics to finalize the bite.  Other details such as space closure, final root positioning and any functional test for a proper occlusion or bite will be accomplished.  Furthermore, being a very cooperative patient helps to expedite this final process.

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