Post-Operative Instructions For Patients With Jaws Wired Together

1. It is very important to keep your mouth very clean.  This, of course, will be difficult but with meticulous care, it can be done.  A small (child-sized) toothbrush can be used on the outside of the teeth to keep the wires and teeth free of debris.  This is very important to stop the possibility of rapid decay of the teeth and infection.  Mouth rinses in addition to brushing as often as possible will be very helpful.
2. Diet is another important consideration.  Because of your inability to chew, it will be very difficult to take an adequate diet.  Therefore, several meals (6,7, or 8 per day) will be necessary.  High calorie, protein full liquids will be your diet for the entire fixation period.  Things like malts, milk-shakes (blended with raw eggs for higher protein content) will be necessary.  Anything that can be mixed with whole milk and liquefied in a blender will help in the dietary intake.  This is not a time to lose weight, although a certain number of pounds will be lost no matter how careful you may be.  Additional dietary supplements may include Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, etc.  Liquid multi-vitamins should also be used.
3. Bowel habits may change during your fixation period.  Following surgery, it is not uncommon not to have a bowel movement for several days.  Remember, the bowel is a storage organ and the less that enters it, especially full liquids, the less residue one can expect.  If this becomes a problem, consult your oral surgeon at one of your routine appointments and/or your physician.
4. Medications which have been prescribed for you are also important.  If an antibiotic has been prescribed, it is very important to continue the preparation as directed until all has been taken.  Also, a liquid pain medication can be taken as directed only if needed for discomfort.
5. Nausea is no cause for alarm.  Remember that even if you should become nauseated and vomit, everything that is in your stomach can be strained through your teeth.  However, at first sign of persistent significant nausea, call your oral surgeon (and/or your physician) and he/she will prescribe anti-nausea medication for you in suppository form.
6. All patients with jaws wired together should not drink alcohol for the period of fixation.  No vigorous exercise or swimming should be allowed because of the difficulty in breathing and the strain on your fixation wires.  To facilitate breathing, a decongestant spray (ex: a nasal spray) should be bought at a pharmacy and carried with the patient for cases of nasal congestion.  This should be used only sparingly.
7. Your period of fixation (having your jaws wired together) will range from 4 to 8 weeks depending on your individual type of fracture or your corrective procedure.
8. You should carry your wire cutters with you at all times to be sued to cut all the vertical wires between your upper and lower teeth in case of an emergency.
9. Feel free to call the office should any problem develop.  Should an immediate emergency develop, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room or preferably, if possible, proceed to Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Room where there is an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident available at all times.

TRAUMA=LACERATIONS/AVULSED TEETH: specific instructions will be given on a case-by-case basis.