Instructions to follow after maxillofacial trauma

To help with healing, good oral hygiene is essential. In the first few days after your procedure, brushing your teeth will be more difficult due to swelling and discomfort. It is acceptable not to brush your teeth during these first few days. As soon as possible, start brushing again. Tip: buy a child’s soft-bristle toothbrush—the head is smaller and will make it easier. We encourage you to rinse your mouth frequently with a saltwater solution as well as with the mouthwash that was prescribed to you.

As for your diet, don’t worry! During your hospital stay, a nutritionist will meet with you and give you a small booklet made specifically for oral and maxillofacial surgery patients. Unless otherwise advised by your surgeon, a soft/liquid diet is mandatory for a period ranging from 2 to 8 weeks.

Strenuous, high-level physical activity is not recommended for the first two weeks intense. All contact sports are prohibited for the 3 months following surgery.

We encourage you to resume your daily activities as soon as possible.

During the first few days after your procedure, take time to rest and regain your strength. Depending on the type of surgery you had and the kind of work you do, plan on being able to return to work 2 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Most of the time, the sutures used for wounds inside the mouth are absorbable (dissolving stitches). As for the skin, the type of sutures used may vary; you will be informed where and when they need to be removed.

Your upper and lower teeth may be attached to each other with small metal wires or elastics. This fixation between the jaws is intended to immobilize fractures, much like a cast would. This situation makes eating more difficult and requires a liquid diet. Because there are risks of choking or aspiration if you vomit, it is important not to overuse alcohol and to avoid contact with people who may be carrying the gastroenteritis virus. Always keep a small wire cutter with you (a nail clipper could do the job). Use it to release the fixation in case of respiratory distress.

It is normal to have swelling after your procedure. Swelling will be at its worst about 48 hours after your surgery. After that, it will gradually go down. Applying ice helps limit swelling. However, no more than 48 hours—applying ice longer will delay the swelling from going down. Applying moist heat is recommended starting on the third day.

It is recommended to follow the prescribed medication dosage in order to properly control post-operative discomfort. Applying ice during the first two days will help keep you comfortable.