Does it hurt to have your jaw wired shut?
Jaw wiring isn’t painful. Your doctor will wire your teeth together while you are still under general anesthesia. Plus, during recovery, you may actually experience post-operative numbness because a lot of the nerves in the lips, chin, and gums may still need to heal.
How long does jaw wiring surgery take?
The length of surgery depends on upon the complexity of the case. Routine surgery on one jaw typically takes one to two hours. Surgery that involves multiple procedures may take as long as three to five hours.
What happens if you throw up when your jaw is wired shut?
If You Vomit
All the vomit will come out of your nose and mouth while you continue to lean forward. It is not recommended that you try to cut your elastics when you think you are going to vomit. Remember that everything you are taking in is liquid. If anything comes out it will be liquid as well.
How do you eat with jaw wired shut?
Jaw surgery sometimes means that your jaws have to be wired shut for several weeks to heal. This makes it hard to eat. You will have to drink your meals through a straw or syringe. Liquid meal supplements, such as Ensure and Boost, help make sure that you get protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Do they put you to sleep to wire your jaw?
This will help the provider set your jaw in the correct position during the procedure. You may be given local or general anesthesia. With local anesthesia, you may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain. General anesthesia will keep you asleep and free from pai.
Does having your jaw wired shut hurt?
You’ll experience some discomfort following jaw surgery and subsequent jaw wiring. You should not experience pain during the procedure because of anesthetics. Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever to use following your surgery. You may experience swelling following the surgery as well.
How long does it take to get used to your jaw being wired shut?
Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.
Can you talk if your jaw is wired shut?
TALKING. You may find it difficult to talk and be understood the first week or so after fixation. Be patient and try not to be frustrated if people cannot understand you. Talk as slowly and as distinctly as you can.
How do you deal with a wired jaw shut?
Self-care while your jaw is wired shut
You need to keep your mouth clean while your jaw is wired. This includes: brushing your teeth twice a day. using a mouth rinse or salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) to clean your mouth a few times a day, such as after eating.
Can you still talk with your jaw wired shut?
You may find it difficult to talk and be understood the first week or so after fixation. Be patient and try not to be frustrated if people cannot understand you. Talk as slowly and as distinctly as you can. Carry a pen and pad for especially difficult times, but do not become too dependent on them.
How long does it take for a wired shut jaw to heal?
These appliances keep the jaws from moving to allow the bones to heal in the correct position. Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union.
What happens after your jaw is unwired?
Once your jaw is unwired, you will remain on a soft food diet for several weeks. Generally, patients are able to return to school or work one to three weeks following surgery, depending on how they are feeling. Pain medications and other home remedies may be used to help speed up recovery.
Can you brush your teeth when your jaw is wired shut?
Brush your teeth with a small, soft bristled toothbrush. Always brush in front of a mirror, making sure that the wires and arch bars are clean and shiny. Use a spoon handle to hold your cheek out so that you can see all the way to the back, making sure these areas are free of food.
How much weight do you lose when your mouth is wired shut?
You may lose 5–10% of your normal body weight while jaws are wired shut. You will be limited to a liquid diet until your jaws are no longer tightly held together.