Jaw realignment surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure that corrects jaw position issues. Patients may want this surgery if they have difficulties chewing, talking, or breathing, or if their jaw is crooked. It can improve how your jaw functions, and it can also improve the appearance of your jaw.
If you are considering this procedure, you might be concerned about the discomfort associated with it. As a Mill Bay dentist, we understand that most patients want to know what they can expect prior to taking this step. The good news is that jaw surgery is a significant event, but new techniques and pain management options can make the recovery chapter a lot more tolerable than many expect.
Does Jaw Surgery Hurt During The Procedure?
No. You are done under a general anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. You will be sleeping during the whole process of your jaw being realigned. This being said, surgeons do everything in their power to keep you safe and, more importantly, comfortable while undergoing surgery for the purpose of jaw realignment.
How Long Does Pain Last After Jaw Surgery?
Many patients often wonder, after they have had their jaw surgery, how long the pain lasts after jaw surgery? For the majority of patients, soreness, bruising, and discomfort may last the first week to two weeks following the surgery, but pain usually peaks in the first few days and slowly decreases thereafter. Most patients can use some pain control medications, and it’s wise to have some ice packs on hand as well during this early process to help control discomfort. Typically, by the second or third week, the pain is milder and most patients can begin eating soft foods. The overall recovery process may take several months, but most of it is focused on healing and strengthening the jaw, not pain.
What is the Difference in Pain Levels After Surgery?
There are multiple things that can determine how much discomfort you feel
Type of surgery– Some jaw surgeries are more complex than others.
The amount of an individual’s pain tolerance– Everybody feels pain differently.
Post-care surgeries- Following your dentist’s/surgeon’s instructions on care can help reduce your pain and feel better faster.
Your health status- Being healthy prior to surgery could also contribute to how well you heal.
What is Done to Manage Pain After Jaw Surgery?
Dentists and surgeons will do many things to help keep you more comfortable. Among these might be:
- Prescription pain medication for the first few days
- Over-the-counter pain relief as recovery continues
- Ice packs to control swelling
- Soft or Liquid diet to reduce jaw strain
If you happen to be working with a dentist near you in Mill Bay, they will provide you with a customized recovery plan that will hopefully make the process a little easier.
How Can You Make Recovery More Comfortable?
Here are a few thoughts to help you feel better after jaw surgery.
- Follow all care instructions provided by your dental care team.
- Rest as much as possible in the first week
- Keep the head slightly elevated if possible; more swelling will occur if the head is lower than the chest.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods until your dentist has instructed you to add either hard or chewy foods back into your diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help with healing, also.
What are the benefits of this surgery aside from pain?
While discomfort is part of the recovery, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. After all, at the end of the process, your bite is indeed more aligned. Jaw realignment surgery can:
- Improve your bite and ability to chew
- Assist your speech in being clearer.
- Address jaw joint pain.
- improve face volume and aesthetics.
- Increase confidence.
Final Thoughts
Jaw realignment surgery will inevitably cause some discomfort; however, it is manageable and transitory compared to the benefits that will follow. Your dental care team will be there every step of the process, doing what they can to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
Step Towards a Healthier Jaw and Smile
Are you ready to look at jaw realignment options? The wonderful staff at Mill Bay Dental Health and Implant Centre can help you with everything from consultation to recovery. Book your appointment today and take your first step to a better bite and new confidence in your smile!
