Steven M Moss, DMD                            
Jason Diamond, DDS, MD
Vincent P Novelli, DMD, MD
Chang H Han, DDS, MD


Swelling:
Swelling reaches its peak at 48 hours and then will gradually subside over the next two weeks.  Do not apply ice after 48 hours; warm compresses can be used.

Pain:
    You will have been prescribed analgesics, usually Lortab Elixir.  Liquid ibuprofen is also effective in managing post-operative discomfort following jaw surgery.  If the analgesics are not helping, please call the office to speak to your surgeon.

Nausea:
    Post-operative nausea may be due to narcotic analgesics and other medications.  We recommend stopping the codeine and switching to liquid ibuprofen or Tylenol.  If you should vomit, remember that “what you swallowed is liquid and what will come up is liquid”.  Fortunately this is a very rare event.  Clean your mouth afterwards and start on sips of cold water gradually increasing your intake as tolerated.

Antibiotics:
    Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics for you to take after discharge.  You were on antibiotics intravenously in the hospital and it is not always necessary to continue them once discharged.

Nasal Care:  
Do not blow your nose forcefully for approximately two weeks following surgery.  This may cause a nosebleed or can force air into the cheek through small openings in the maxillary sinus walls.  If a nose bleed occurs place gentle pressure on that nostril.  A small ice pack to the side of the nose may be helpful.  If the nosebleed does not subside call the office immediately.
    Afrin nasal spray, 2 puffs in each nostril, can be used for a few days following discharge for nasal congestion.  Try to use nasal spray at nighttime.  Prolonged use of nasal spray can cause rebound stuffiness.  If this occurs call the office and your surgeon will instruct you on how to back off the Afrin.
    Nasal saline spray can be used throughout the day.  This can loosen nasal secretions (usually old blood and mucous).
    Sudafed 30mg – 60mgs as a suspension can be used every 4 – 6 hours during the day.  Do not use it at night as it may keep you awake.  At nighttime, use Actifed suspension.
    If there is dried crust visible in your nose, moisten a Q-tip with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide diluted with water and gently swab each nostril, one at a time.  This should break up the crust.  Do not place the Q-tip deep within the nostril.
    Use a cool mist humidifier in your room.

Oral Care:
    You may brush your teeth and wires with a children’s soft bristle toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste.  Try to brush as far back as you can in the mouth.  You may also use a water pik on low to spray away debris.  Remember to gently brush the gingiva as well just above your teeth.  You should clean your mouth after each meal.  Ask your surgeon when you can start using dilute mouthwash.

Nutrition:
    Adequate caloric intake is essential for your well being.  While some weight loss is to be expected, now is not the time to purposefully diet.  You may have three or four cans of Ensure or Sustacal daily, Carnation instant breakfast, soups, juices, and milk shakes.  You may also blenderize your food into a liquid.  If your jaws are not wired shut, you can have food with a yogurt consistency such as whipped potatoes, cottage cheese, and baby food.  However do not chew!!  If you are urinating your normal amount then you are probably taking in enough fluids.  Please remember, water has no calories.

Personal Hygiene:
    Feel free to shower and shampoo when you are discharged.  However, do not shower with hot water as this may cause you to vasodilate and faint.  Someone should be in the bathroom with you when you shower for the first time. If you have a chin dressing, this can come off on post-op day five.  If it comes off in the shower it does not need to be replaced.  

Sports:
    Plan to take a break from strenuous activity for approximately six weeks following surgery.  You should not participate in contact sports for four months.  This will allow the healed bone to remodel and mature.  Feel free to discuss the do’s and don’t’s of exercise with your surgeon.

Questions:
    If you have any questions please call the office.  If your surgeon is unavailable our office staff will be more than happy to connect you with another staff surgeon.  If it is after hours, our service will answer the phone and will page your surgeon or the surgeon covering.

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