Common Questions
Following is a list of the most common questions I’ve received about double jaw surgery. If your question is not answered below, feel free to ask about it in the comments and I’d be happy to respond there.
Before the surgery:
- Why should I get jaw surgery?
- Is jaw surgery painful?
- How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?
- How much does jaw surgery cost?
- What should I buy to prepare for recovery?
After the surgery:
- Will I look different after jaw surgery?
- How much weight will I lose after jaw surgery?
- Will I experience numbness after jaw surgery?
- Will I get all of my feeling back after jaw surgery?
- What can I eat after jaw surgery?
Cries for help:
- Help, I’m experiencing pain!
- Help, my breath is terrible!
- Help, my teeth are no longer touching!
- Help, my jaw movement is not returning!
- Help, I don’t look like myself anymore!
Why should I get jaw surgery?
There are several reasons to undergo jaw surgery:
- To be able to chew with all your teeth
- To speak without a lisp
- To speak without spitting
- To stop your mouth from hanging open
- To stop breathing through your mouth and start breathing through your nose
- To change your appearance (side profile)
These reasons are all explained on the Reasons to Get Jaw Surgery page.
Is jaw surgery painful?
Jaw surgery is usually not painful. This may be difficult to believe, but since your nerves become bruised and numb during the surgery, you don’t actually feel any of the pain. By the time feeling returns to your face, most of the pain is gone.
Granted, you’ll experience a bit of pain when you yawn, sneeze and cough. It’ll also hurt when your jaw spasms (and it will spasm for the first month), but for the most part, you should not experience much pain at all.
How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?
It will take 90 days (3 months) for a full recovery after jaw surgery. Most of your feeling and energy will be back after 2 months, but it takes a full 90 days for your bone to fuse back together. A full range of motion in your jaw will return depending on how much you’re moving it around, so make sure you follow the exercises your surgeon gives you.
How much does jaw surgery cost?
Jaw surgery costs roughly $5000 in Canada, but that price may differ significantly in other provinces and countries. If your surgery is deemed cosmetic (instead of “medically necessary”), the cost will be higher because you’ll be required to cover the hospital bills. Sadly, patients in the US have seen jaw surgery bills in excess of $50,000.
What should I buy to prepare for recovery?
You can find a full list of items that with help you through the recovery at the Must-Have Recovery Products page.
Will I look different after jaw surgery?
You will notice subtle changes in your appearance following jaw surgery. Your overbite/underbite will no longer be present and your cheeks, nose, and chin may take on a different shape as well. My cheeks filled out a lot as a result of my surgery.
How much weight will I lose after jaw surgery?
Most people lose between 5–10 pounds during the first month of their recovery. The general rule of thumb is that you will lose weight until you reach your natural body weight.
Will I experience numbness after jaw surgery?
Yes, you will experience extreme numbness following jaw surgery. During the operation, several nerves in your face and chin have to be moved around. When you move a nerve, it becomes bruised, and when a nerve is bruised, it stops providing sensations, thus giving you that numb feeling (more on this in my Day 20 post).
Will I get all of my feeling back after jaw surgery?
70% of patients regain full feeling, while 30% may experience slightly numb areas in their cheeks, chin and lower lip for the rest of their lives. The feeling you have after 6 months post-op is likely what you’ll live with for the rest of your life.
What can I eat after jaw surgery?
You’ll be on a strict liquid diet following jaw surgery. Buy lots of Boost, Ensure or Carnation supplements and learn to make smoothies, because these will be your staple foods for at least the first 2 weeks. I had to eat them for 8 weeks, but my surgery was a bit more invasive than most. You’ll probably have to administer your food through a syringe for the first week as well.
Once your surgeon gives you permission to start chewing again, you can begin to eat soft foods such as pasta and mashed potatoes. During the weeks following your re-entry into the realm of chewing, you’ll be able to eat whatever is comfortable. Don’t expect to tear into a steak as soon as you’re allowed to chew again, though.
If you have the following implements, you should survive perfectly fine:
- A reliable blender (this is extremely important, as you’ll be blending almost everything)
- Smoothie materials (ice cream, yogurt, milk, bananas, strawberries, granola, peanut butter, honey, etc.) — Recipe
- Soup (you’ll have to blend everything except tomato soup)
- Ensure, Boost or Carnation (I drank 3 of these per day during my liquid diet phase)
- Prune juice (you’ll need the fiber in it)
- Whole milk (you’ll need all the calcium you can get so your bones heal back just as strong as they were before)
- Water (make sure you drink at least 1 L of water per day; drinking 2 L per day is a much better option)
The most important item on that list is water. If you don’t drink enough water each day, you’ll become dehydrated and sick, and your bowel movements won’t feel good because none of the fiber you’re eating will dissolve into your body.
Help, I’m experiencing pain!
If your pain is chronic (ie. consistent and throbbing), you may have an infection and should schedule a visit with your surgeon just to be safe.
On the other hand, if your pain comes in small bouts, it’s likely your nerves reawakening or your teeth being pulled by the elastics. In this case, just be patient and the pain will subside in due time. If you were prescribed pain medication, that may help as well.
Help, my breath is terrible!
At times, your breath may be indicative of the fact that you are not allowed to brush your teeth or floss during the first several weeks of recovery. To aid in freshening your breath, try gurgling with warm salt water a few times each day. Soon enough, you’ll be given the go-ahead to brush and floss again.
Help, my teeth are no longer touching!
An open bite is a common problem following jaw surgery. Fear not, however, because your teeth will naturally grow until they encounter opposition (in the form of your other jaw), so this problem will slowly correct itself over time.
Help, my jaw movement is not returning!
If you have been given the green light to resume eating regular food, but the movement in your jaw doesn’t seem to be returning, try whistling and chewing gum each day. Whistling will help to break up scar tissue, while chewing gum will stretch the muscles in your jaw.
Help, I don’t look like myself anymore!
This is perhaps the most common fear people have following jaw surgery. Remember that swelling takes a minimum of 3 months to go away, so try to avoid judging your appearance until that point.
Also, keep in mind that you are your own worst critic because you’ve been seeing your face in the mirror every single day for most of your life. While the subtle changes in your appearance seem drastic to you, most people will not even notice that your face changed shape.
September 21, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Hey Lester,
I’m 6.5 weeks out from my double jaw surgery and genioplasty. The recovery time is killing me! I’m nearly 40 so I’m no spring chicken. You asked about the numbness. I”m still very much so NUMB! It’s maddening at times. It’s mainly my chin and bottom lip and my top and bottom gums. It has a constant feel of thickness, pressure and at times tingling. I will say that this is the first week (6 weeks post op) that I actually felt like I could talk without ANY evidence of having had surgery. My doctor said that they are told to tell patience that in your chin the numbness after surgery crawls slowly away at the rate of one centimeter a month. hum…could be it bit longer for me!
As far as those of you who have asked about returning to school or whatever and when…I was COMPLETELY having to live life back at a normal pace at 7 days post op. We have 8 children and life was NOT slowed down for a healing mom. Talking was majorly frustrating and you feel like you look horrendous but you can do it! youll be mumbling to everyone you need to talk to that “i just had jaw surgery so talking is totally awkward right now, excuse me!” BUT, you can get up and do life one week post op. Otherwise i would have been a depressed mess! I had lots going on around me to try to keep myself away from the mirror. I also began running again everyday at 2.5 weeks post op. It was my lifesaver!
September 13, 2012 at 11:48 am
Lester,
My son had his upper jaw operated on, on August 30th. The swelling as unbeeelivable on the 3rd and 4th day. Hang in there! Keep sitting up, even when you are sleeping and keep ice on too (this might make you feel better as well as helping with the swelling.) Ibuprofan is your best friend. I crushed up the pills for my son but it burned when he took it in liquids. Our pharmacist said it was the acid in the pill burning him, so we switched to childrens liquid ibuprofan. This is for the pain and swelling. Get ahead of the pain too, dont wait until you are feeling it, stay on top of your pain meds.
As far as food, my son was tired of the shakes. I got cans of soup. I live in the USA, and we have soup by Progresso called italian wedding soup. It has beef in it. I put it in a blender, until it was pureed. I kept adding a little water at a time, until my son could take it. He got the taste of beef, which felt good on his stomach. There are a ton of different soups out there. Sometimes he just felt like vegetable. Also, I made instant oatmeal really, really runny and he liked that.
So keep ice for swelling and comfort, stay ahead of the meds! Set a timer for your meds, and if you start feeling the pain and due for more med in 20 min, go ahead and take it. Just dont do this 24 hours straight. Ibuprofan is much better than the pain med from the doctor/hospital because it is an antinflamatory. The swelling was incredible on one day, but the next when he woke up, it was 50% gone. Hang in there!
September 13, 2012 at 10:51 am
Hi all, well basically i had my lower jaw op on monday the 10th sept, the swelling in my face in imense an i have the tight elastics on. Im just wondering how long will i have the numbness in my bottom lip an jaw? An the teeth will the elastics on are hurting like never before! Also i was given shakes to drink, but my stomach does not take lightly to eating just shakes and its going mad for food! Is there anything at all i can help heal quicker or eat things that can help my healing process? Cheers
September 9, 2012 at 5:55 pm
I had double jaw surgery 9 days ago and this website has taught me to be patient with recovery! I still have quite a lot of numbness; mainly chin, lower lip and cheek bones. The swelling has decreased loads since I came home from hospital 5 days ago but seems to have slowed down. I have elastics on my teeth. I use mouth wash 4 times a day and brush the front of my teeth as I can’t get in any further. Has anyone got any tips for keeping breath fresh? Great website with loads of reassuring info. I’m English, by the way.
September 10, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Hi Julie,
My only tip for getting a little closer to having fresh breath is to gurgle salt water to remove some of the bacteria in your mouth.
Until you can brush and floss completely, however, you’ll have to lower your standards for fresh breath. The first time you can brush again will be a refreshing day—trust me. =)
September 9, 2012 at 7:33 am
Day 3 was the worst in swelling, but by day 4 it went down 50%. Our son is eating chili (no beans) oatmeal and mahsed potatos. There is still a bit of swelling and he has no feeling in his lip or chin, but we know this is to be expected. He had his surgery 11 days ago and is going back to school tomorrow. The teachers have been wonderful. A piece of advice for those still in school like Conor, when you return, your speech will definitely be different. I arranged for my son to sit in the front row at school so the teacher can keep an eye on him.
I also have speech rehabilitative services set up for our son. I live in the USA, and we can have this after surgery.
The day of surgery and 2 days afterwards, are the worst but you can get thru it with the help of your loved ones who are taking care of you. After that, it gets better and better every day. My son is a pretty good looking young man, but after he had his surgery, his jawline changed and since it is now in the proper posistion, he looks even better looking! Its mainly the profile that changes but thats a good thing! I love your site Graham. Keep up the good work! You are doing an amazing thing for those who are thinking about surgery, right down to those who have had it.
September 10, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Laura, I’m glad to hear Conor is recovering at a good pace. At his young age, his body will probably heal quite quickly. I hope he does okay in school for the next few weeks despite the frustrations of altered speech and swelling. All the best!
September 8, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Hi Graham,
I’m 15 years old and I might be undergoing a double jaw surgery this December. I broke my jaw in preschool and I’m currently stuck with an assymetrical bite because of it. My surgeon is thinking I should get my surgery done at the beginning of Christmas break, with two weeks to recover and to see how I’m feeling, possibly go to school at the beginning of January after break. Do you think 2 weeks is long enough to recover? I would be able to take the necessary meals with me to school, but I am thinking it’ll be difficult to talk and I’ll get weird stares by a lot of people. What do you think? Any suggestions?
-Sierra
September 10, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Sierra, I’d recommend you have the surgery during your summer holidays. It’s kind of a downer because you’ll miss part of them, but I honestly don’t think 2 weeks is enough time to recover to a state where you’ll be comfortable returning to school. It’s possible; it just won’t be comfortable. You likely won’t be able to speak very clearly after only 2 weeks and you’ll be quite swollen as well.
September 1, 2012 at 10:50 pm
My 17 year old son had upper jaw surgery on Thursday and it is now Saturday night. The swelling is incredible. He is sitting/sleeping in an upward position. I understand it takes several weeks for swelling to really subside, but in general, when does the ‘oh my gosh!’ swelling subside. Our son is a trouper. I asked him if he would still go thru with the surgery, knowing how he feels at this moment and he said ‘yes.’ or, i should say ‘loosh’ with alot of saliva. I just hope this swelling will subside, even just a little.
Also, if anyone has trouble with congestion and breathing thru the nose, and have tried nasal sprays and decongestant pills, try getting a steam humidifier. We put one in our sons room next to his bed and it really helps.
Will keep reading your comments. Great job!
September 2, 2012 at 1:43 am
Hi Laura,
Since it’s Day 3 for your son, his swelling is at its peak today. It will stick around for another 3-4 weeks before you notice it begin to dissipate. I assure you the time will go by quickly, though, and he’ll be back to smiling soon.
He’s lucky to have you there taking care of him! All the best to the both of you during the recovery!
August 31, 2012 at 12:16 am
Hey
I’m 15 years and I’m getting the lower jaw surgery. I play volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track. And was wondering how long it would take for me to get back into sports again?
Also I don’t really mind the way I look right now. How much does your face change after surgery? What if I look awful after it?
September 1, 2012 at 11:44 am
Kier, you’ll have to ease your way back into those sports because they’re all high impact. I would stay away from them for at least 6 weeks. Once you start to build yourself back to where you were before, make sure you don’t get hit in the face. It’d be a shame for your recovery to be extended because you weren’t patient enough with your return to sports.
Your face will look very similar—only the general shape of it will change. Your features will remain the same, though, so I wouldn’t worry about it. =)
August 27, 2012 at 12:02 pm
At the airport when you go through the scanner/detector thing, did it go off because of the plates and screws?
August 28, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Bella, metal detectors do not pick up the plates in my face, no. They’re small enough that the scanners aren’t concerned with them.
August 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Dayna,
I’m 6 weeks post op today and still have no feeling in my bottom lip and chin, except when I do and then it feels like it’s on fire! It also affects my speech, I now have a lisp but hope with time it will go away. My face still looks uneven my lower lip still seems to stick out a little far so I know I still have some swelling. I’ve lost 18 lbs so far and I’m still losing because it’s hard to “eat” enough. Also I still have to wear bands on one side and in the front connecting my top 2 and bottom 2 teeth so it’s still a work in progress. It’s hard to be patient…
August 20, 2012 at 1:26 pm
I had upper jaw surgery 12 days ago to correct my bite.(My front teeth didn’t touch my bottom,3 years of braces couldn’t fix this) I was in hospital for 2 nights and discharged on the third day! The most pain comes from my hip, if it were only my face, I’d have been off painkillers a few days ago, but my hip is very sore! It often gets stiff, I have spasms, I get burning sensations running down my thigh and I twitch beyond belief at night time. I slept in my own bed for the first time last night since surgery and it was the most uncomfortable thing ever! My sleeping pattern is a mess! However, had a full 6 hours interupted and the difference in my face (the swelling) is unreal! They tell you the change will be minor, but it takes a LOT of getting ysed to (for me anyway) the thing that worries me the most is the numbing! I know it has only been 12 days but I keep reading about permanent, or a year of numbing! Which scares me because I have about 2cm on my top lip that I can actually feel! It affects my speech, I can’t drink from a cup because I drool (sorry) obviously because I can’t feel where my lip is and my cheeks and the tip of my nose is also numb! I read somewhere massaging it enduces the nerve top reconnect and gain feeling again, does anyone know if there’s any truth to this and if there are any other tips which will help regain feeling? ….. Also, on the weight front, I’m from scotland, I have lost just over half a stone which is about 9 or 10 lbs (I don’t know how you would work that out) but I was advised pre-op to gain some weight as I wasn’t exactly fat so the weight loss wouldn’t make me look gaunt! So tip, gain weight pre-op to maintain your size! (Unless of course you intentionally want to lose weight!! And that’s my story! Ahah Dayna
August 21, 2012 at 1:32 am
Dayna, do yourself a favor and don’t worry about swelling or feeling anytime soon. Most people begin to regain their feeling between weeks 4 and 8, but it’s different for every person and, as you already know, can take up to a year or more. There’s a 30% chance that you’ll be left with permanent numbness, so you’ll likely get all of your feeling back. If you don’t, there will only be small patches of semi-numb areas and you’ll grow used to them quickly. I honestly don’t even notice my numb patches any longer.
So fear not—you are still in the infancy of your recovery! Give your body a chance to prove itself! =)
August 14, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I’ve found that fully in to my 8th month of my recovery from my double jaw orthognathic surgery, I am still regaining sensitivity daily. My surgeon informed me that one can continue to regain sensitivity for a full year after surgery, rather than 6 months noted here. Just my experience.
August 14, 2012 at 1:31 am
hey! I am getting jaw surgery on my lower jaw to pull it forward because it never grew fully, i’m very nervous about going under because i never have for anything. i am a very nervous person. but i need to get it done. im 17 and its causing me pain. i start my process soon. i get braces and the surgery is estimated to be in about 9 months from now. Which puts me to have surgery about may 2013. I miss by my highschool prom because of it ..its sad, but i have to do it because of my benefits through my dad and they only last till im 18 and i turn 18 july 2013. nows the perfect and pretty much only time. my question is how much do benefits cover for it? and what do they usually use to subside the pain right after surgery when you wake up. i know over the weeks you can choose to take things like tylenol, but what did the hospital give you. i dont like hospital drugs. i prefer to keep my body natural the most possible way. i am very nervous about my weight to. i am very small, maybe 105. your blog helped me alot though. thank you. i will read it for motivation again closer to my surgary to <3 my count to happiness begins. by the way i live in Canada to. Ontario. = ) thanks for reading.
August 20, 2012 at 9:01 am
Nice to meet you, Megan!
That’s a shame that you need to miss your prom, but you’re always going to have to miss something due to the length of the recovery. You’re lucky you can have the surgery at such a young age.
I had no benefits for the surgery in Alberta and it cost me approximately $5000. Alberta Healthcare covered everything else.
As for pain, you’ll be fairly numb following the operation, so pain shouldn’t bother you too much. All I was given for pain was Tylenol-3, but I didn’t even need to use them.
You’ll do great! I wouldn’t even bother thinking about the surgery until about March of next year. Don’t stress out about it. =)
August 10, 2012 at 7:06 am
I was just wondering when the first time you went out drinking was after your surgery?? I’m planning on going to a gathering tonight at someone’s house so not actually a club or anything and I’m planning on drinking a little. How soon after surgery did you start drinking again? (if you’re a drinker) Thanks 🙂
August 10, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Bella, I recall having a few drinks within 3—4 weeks following the operation. The only problem with alcohol, specifically beer and mixed drinks, is that they may infect open wounds in your mouth, but if it’s been a few weeks since you had surgery, you should be perfectly alright. Also, remember not to drink if you’re still taking medication. Other than that, enjoy your night!
August 8, 2012 at 9:40 pm
I had my surgery July 9th so it’s been a lil over a month and I’m still pretty swollen how long did it take for ur lips to unswell. Also, I still have like no feeling at all on my lower half of the face is that normal?
Thanks
August 9, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Rachel, you’ll be swollen for 2—3 months, so you’re still on track on that front. Feeling should begin to return over the next couple of months as well. It takes longer for some people than it does for others, but you’re certainly not experiencing anything out of the ordinary. You’re in good shape!
August 4, 2012 at 3:31 pm
I recently had jaw surgery on July 26, its been a week and a couple of days and I can say I feel back to normal now. I have a cleft palet which causes me to have a underbite. I had double jaw surgery and had plates screwed into my jaws and had my chin pushed out a little bit. No bone graph was necessary thank god! I had been waiting for this surgery for over a year and a half due to the fact that I want to go to the Marine Corps and this is holding me up a bit.. The first 6 days were the worst, I felt very naceous from all the pain medication, which thankfully ive stopped taking now(: and very very weak! It is now saturday and I feel like myself again, I can even talk although a bit slow but im talking again! Anyways, Im not wired shut, I have bands holding my jaws together. My only question is how long will I have these on for? I can take them off to eat and brush my teeth but i feel imprisioned with these bands on! Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks
August 4, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Albert, I’m glad you’re already past the worst part of the recovery. It sounds like you’re doing pretty well for the stage you’re at.
As for the bands, I was told to wear them as often as possible all the way until the day I had my braces removed. I was frustrated with that timeline at first as well, but I got used to them. If you really need to know if there is an end date in sight, you’ll have to give your orthodontist a quick call and ask them.
July 29, 2012 at 10:37 am
My journey to correct my over-bite started over 25 years ago when I had orthognatic surgery which relaspsed because at the time the common procedure for securing the bone was with wires. I have to admit I wanted the surgery to correct my appearance as well as I didn’t(and still don’t) like my smile. The surgery did help my lock jaw but since I have facial pain and headaches caused by having to thrust my jaw forward to eat and talk which creates the sound of sand in my ears – jaw joint deteriation. I thought that I would live with this until I could afford to pay for surgery which would be years and years away. It felt hopeless until my daughters orthodontist told me this was a medical condition that should be paid for by my insurance. I cried when I heard this news. So at 45 years old I got braces again – for the fourth time – in order to do the surgery. I saw a Maxiofacial Surgeon/Plastic surgeon and left his office hopeful of positive results. I was scheduled to have the surgery last July 2011 but was kicked by a horse five days prior to surgery and landed in the hospital for 4 days with a long recovery. So I waited another year. I was scheduled to have surgery on Aug 1st. I went in for my pre-op appt to see my spints and discuss the procedure and ended up walking out of the surgeons office an emotional wreck after being told (for the first tim I might add) that I may not have enough bone on one side of my jaw to do the surgery (this is not definately determined at this point but can be with a 3-D ray)and then the Dr. proceeded to essentially talk me out of the surgery I have emotionally, mentally and physically have prepared myself for since initially meeting with him a year and half ago. I am devestated and feel decieved and scammed. Had he had this conversation with me initially I could have looked into the lack of bone issue and prepared myself for the fact that the surgery wouldn’t be able to happen. Instead, I have been hopeful, releaved and happy only to be left crying over the loss. I await talking to my orthodontist to find out what he suggest I do. I have planned this whole year around this surgery. I don’t know whether to start again with someone new and wait another year (I work in educstion and have summers off). That prospect is cares me because where do I start when the surgeon I had was so highly regarded and recommended. Afraid I’ll end up disappointed again.
I have realized by my emotional state that this surgery is very important to me though my husband and children don’t want me to go through it and my biggest fear is that I will have permanent numbness in my lower lip (I currently do from the last surgery but it is about 10% and live able). The surgeon told me I would definately have numbness becuase of my age but I am optimistic it won’t be a large loss.
I recognize that I need to get the 3-D xray to make sure the surgery is doable and find another surgeon if the bone is good but now have fear that was instilled im me by the surgeon and am doubting whether the surgery is worth the outcome. I am looking for support and input.
Know anyone to recommend in Salt lake City area?
Thank for your posts!
August 1, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Good to meet you, Dawn.
It sounds like you’ve had quite the journey with regards to your teeth and jaw thus far. I guess the phrase, “better late than never,” continues to apply though.
The surgery will certainly be difficult for your family, but at least you have your husband and children to stand by you for emotional support.
I certainly cannot recommend any surgeons aside from my own, but I’ve found that almost all oral surgeons know what they’re doing when it comes to these surgeries. They have different methods and recovery procedures, but they’re all tried and true.
Best of luck in your search and I wish you all the best in yet another chapter of this dental game you’re playing. =)
July 24, 2012 at 11:56 am
Great website! Like a lot of ppl, I wish I found this earlier before my double jaw operation 🙁 I had an underbite and had to move my upper jaw forward and lower jaw back a bit. Had mine done June 25th about a month from now. Major swelling is gone around the neck and cheeks but still swollen. My upper lip is probably the most swollen still.
I would describe this experience as discomforting and not painful. The only thing I’m worried about is the numbing I still have on the right side of my lip and chin. I heard a few bad stories but I just have to hope for the best. I can say the numb on my is going away slowly because I’m tracking it on a daily bases lol.
Someone mentioned earlier about their face getting more greasy. Weird I had that too! It’s not as oily as the first couple of weeks.
So far do I regret this? Absolutely not. Im 28 and I’ve waited a few years for this with the braces and all. One thing I have learned is to be PATIENT.
Hope this helps some ppl 😀
July 21, 2012 at 12:43 am
Hey Graham, I had recently had surgery on my lower jaw. From the small briefing the doctors gave me it seems like they put couple of plates in my mouth. I had a fall at the calgary stampede and lost a tooth aswell. So far the swelling has gone down alot at record speed, but there is one thing that worries me. That is that i can barely feel my bottom lips and chin. Will I ever be reunited with those parts of my body? Another question is that the surgeons also quickly replaced my tooth,as I regain more feel to my mouth I try to put my teeth toghter but only three teeth out of my whole mouth connect. Lastly, I know its different for every case but when do you think I will be able to start chewing again? I have a very bad chicken wing craving at the moment.
July 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Hi Raja,
First off, nice work with your fall at the Calgary Stampede. I was there a few years ago and had a blast! You really got the experience the full effect of a stampeding crowd, didn’t you? =)
You should regain most feeling in your chin and lips by the 5—6 week mark. Residual feeling could take up to 6 months to return.
Your bite should close with elastics and the natural movement of your jaw. My bite was also open on both sides when surgery was complete, but over the following year it closed up nicely and I enjoy using all of my teeth now.
I wasn’t able to chew until 8 weeks post-op, but most people are eating again after approximately 1 month. The answer to that question really depends on how severe your surgery was. Let your pain (and your surgeon’s advice) be your guide.
July 19, 2012 at 11:11 am
Hi it’s been 10 days since my double jaw surgery and I’m still very swollen. I’m starting to get used to it but it’s still very uncomfortable. I tend to sleep on my side and not upright is that okay to do? Also, I was planing on going to a wedding shower in another week and a half do you think that’s too soon to go? Another thing… I slobber a lot! How long does it take for you to stop slobbering and when did ur swelling go down enough that you started to look pretty normal because I have school starting in a month and I’m concerned about how I look right now.
July 21, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Hi Rachel,
I don’t think you’ll be able to communicate if you go to the wedding shower, so as long as you’re okay with simply observing, you should be okay.
As for slobbering, that will go away after 3 weeks or so. I kept a paper towel on me at all times for the first few weeks. =)