Fracture Post Operative Instructions
You are now at home. We will reinforce the instructions given to you at the pre surgical appointment.
- Your mouth has a number of wires holding your mouth closed. Do not attempt to remove or adjust these wires. If one breaks please call OMFS clinic for further instruction.
- Oral hygiene is important and you should brush the reachable teeth at least three times a day. Manual or electric toothbrushes can be used.
- Congestion is normal especially if you had upper jaw surgery. Use normal saline drops obtained at the pharmacy, placing 2-3 drops in each nostril several times a day. An over the counter decongestant can also be taken in liquid form to improve the congestion.
- Diet should be plenty of liquids and blended diet. Milk shakes, smoothies, juices and blended food.
- Sutures or stitches will be found in the mouth and skin. They are reabsorbable stitches and should fall out on their own starting the second day after surgery.
- For the first 48 hours after surgery apply cold compresses to face. Afterwards, you can start applications of heat via a heat pad or by placing a moist towel in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds. Apply to the face until cold and then repeat the process for 48 hours while awake.
- While sleeping, place your head elevated 30 degrees relative to the ground to decrease swelling.
- Swelling will increase up to 4 days after surgery. It will then start to subside slowly over time, up to two months.
- Ambulation: although you just had surgery, we recommend you do not stay in bed while awake to minimize the chances of thrombolytic events leading to stroke, heart attack or pulmonary emboli. Try to transfer to a chair instead of lying down and walk throughout the house. Try to be as active as possible.
- Pain control: NSAID’s should be taken first. Any form of ibuprofen as directed can be taken to keep the pain under control. If necessary, you would obtain additional relief by taking narcotic medication as instructed.
- Bleeding from the mouth is also possible. Mild sporadic bleeding can occur up to 3 days after surgery. If bleeding is profuse, please call the office.
- You can expect decreased sensation of the lower lip and chin and profuse swelling making it difficult to close your lips which can cause drooling. Continue to hydrate since you have to replenish this fluid loss.
- Please make an appointment with the oral-facial surgery clinic for follow-up 7 to 10 days after the surgery date.
- If any questions or concerns, please call any of the clinic and/or office telephone numbers listed in your paperwork.