Our Summary

This study looked at the recovery symptoms and the healing process of patients who had undergone a specific type of jaw surgery. The patients, aged between 18 and 35, were monitored before the surgery and at various points after the surgery (48 hours, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months). They were asked about their pain levels and whether they experienced any numbness.

The most common symptoms that were connected with the healing process included swelling, bruising, limited jaw movement, pain, and numbness. Swelling was at its worst 48-72 hours after surgery and the ability to open the mouth was significantly reduced in the first two weeks after surgery. However, this improved a lot over three months. Another observation was that the nose tended to get wider after the surgery.

The most severe pain described by the patients was of medium intensity, usually felt in the lower jaw, and often described as pressure. This pain usually did not spread to other areas. The most long-lasting and severe symptom was numbness.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common symptoms experienced after orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long does it typically take for swelling and limited jaw movement to improve after surgery?
  3. What was the most severe and long-lasting symptom reported by patients after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about orthognathic surgery is to be prepared for swelling, bruising, limited jaw movement, pain, and numbness in the days and weeks following the surgery. It is important to follow post-operative instructions closely, including taking prescribed pain medication, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and sticking to a soft diet to allow for proper healing. It is normal for these symptoms to improve over time, with full recovery typically taking up to three months. If you experience severe or prolonged pain or numbness, be sure to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth or jaws), facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders, or other conditions that affect the functioning and appearance of the jaw. Patients who have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to their jaw alignment may benefit from orthognathic surgery. Additionally, patients with skeletal discrepancies such as an overbite, underbite, or open bite may be recommended for orthognathic surgery to correct these issues.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  • Patients meet with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a candidate for orthognathic surgery.
  • Patients may undergo orthodontic treatment to align their teeth before surgery.
  • Pre-surgical planning including x-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging to determine the best approach for the surgery.

After surgery:

  • Immediately after surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, limited jaw movement, pain, and numbness.
  • Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours after surgery and gradually improves over the following weeks.
  • Limited jaw movement is common in the first two weeks after surgery but improves over three months.
  • Pain is typically of medium intensity and felt in the lower jaw, gradually decreasing over time.
  • Numbness is the most long-lasting symptom, persisting for several months after surgery.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
  • Overall, it can take several months for patients to fully recover and see the final results of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about orthognathic surgery may include:

  1. What specific type of orthognathic surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and healing process?
  4. What kind of pain management options will be available to me after surgery?
  5. How long will I experience swelling, bruising, and limited jaw movement post-surgery?
  6. Will I experience any changes in my facial appearance or sensation, such as numbness?
  7. How soon will I be able to resume normal activities like eating and speaking?
  8. Will I require any physical therapy or follow-up appointments after surgery?
  9. Are there any dietary restrictions or special care instructions I need to follow during my recovery?
  10. What are the expected long-term results and benefits of undergoing orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dinu C, Manea A, Tomoiagă D, Băciuț M, Almășan O, Mitre AO, Barbur I, Hedeșiu M, Armencea G, Opriș H, Stoia S, Tamaș T, Băciuț G, Onișor F, Bran S. Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 30;19(23):16028. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192316028. PMID: 36498101