You have undergone surgery at Maxillo Tandem and you would like to know what to expect in the upcoming days? Below, you will find some helpful advice. If you have any questions, we are here to listen and we will take the time you need to reassure and answer any of your queries.
AFTER MY SURGERY
AFTER MY SURGERY
SWELLING
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It is possible to have some swelling after surgery.
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The swelling will be at its greatest between 48-72 hours after the surgery.
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Ice compresses to the cheeks in the first 48 hours will help to reduce swelling.
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To drain the swelling, it is recommended to sleep in a reclining position (45 degree angle) for the first 3 to 4 nights.
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If swelling reappears once it has diminished, contact us. It might be an infection.
ICE COMPRESS TO THE FACE
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Helps reduce pain and swelling.
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To be applied to the cheeks in the first 48 hours. We recommend a 15 to 20 minute application each hour.
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After the first 48 hours, ice will have a lesser effect on the swelling but will help reduce pain.
HOT COMPRESS TO THE FACE
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After 48 hours of ice compresses, it is recommended to start applying a humid hot compress.
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A face cloth wet with hot water or a small heat pad ("magic bag") may be used as hot compresses.
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The humid heat will help soften the cheeks.
BLEEDING
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It is common to see blood in the saliva up to a few days after the surgery.
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Use the supplied compresses to ease the bleeding. It is recommended to bite into the compresses for 30 minutes after the surgery. You can change them out as needed.
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If the bleeding persists, bite longer on the compresses. You can also bite down on a moistened black tea bag.
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If bleeding persists beyond the recommendations above, contact us.
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Bruising can occur in the days following surgery.
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DIET
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You will find it easier to eat a soft food diet after your surgery.
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Go with your comfort level.
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Avoid foods with small seeds that could get trapped in the open wounds.
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Avoid drinking with a straw for the first 72 hours after your surgery to reduce bleeding and accelerate healing.
ORAL HYGIENE
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It is recommended to start brushing your teeth the day after your surgery.
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A mouthwash will be prescribed to complete your oral hygiene and help heal the wounds. If not, you can garggle with a solution of salt water (2 tsp of salt in 1 litre of water).
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The mouthwash or salt water solution are to be used the day after your surgery.
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It is favourable to rinse your mouth following each meal.
STITCHES
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Unless your surgeon tells you otherwise, all stitches are dissolvable and will fall out on their own, most likely within 2 weeks of your surgery.
PAIN
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Ice compresses in the first 48 hours will help alleviate the pain.
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It is recommended to take pain killers regularly in the first 48 to 72 hours and then, as needed.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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You will want to rest in the few days following your surgery.
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A low impact activity such as walking is possible, depending on your comfort and energy levels.
SWELLING
-
It is possible to have some swelling after surgery.
-
The swelling will be at its greatest between 48-72 hours after the surgery.
-
Ice compresses to the cheeks in the first 48 hours will help to reduce swelling.
-
To drain the swelling, it is recommended to sleep in a reclining position (45 degree angle) for the first 3 to 4 nights.
ICE COMPRESS TO THE FACE
-
​Helps reduce pain and swelling.
-
To be applied to the cheeks in the first 48 hours. We recommend a 15 to 20 minute application each hour.
-
After the first 48 hours, ice will have a lesser effect on the swelling but will help reduce pain.
HOT COMPRESS TO THE FACE
-
After 48 hours of ice compresses, it is recommended to start applying a humid hot compress.
-
A face cloth wet with hot water or a small heat pad ("magic bag") may be used as hot compresses.
-
The humid heat will help soften the cheeks.
BLEEDING
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During the first 48 hours it is possible to have bloody nose and wounds.
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A nasal bandage and nasal compressions will help with nose bleeds.
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If bright red heavy bleeding occurs in the days following your surgery, it is crucial that you notify your surgeon rapidly.
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Bruises may occur in the days following your surgery.
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DIET
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For the first 2 weeks, it is essential that you stick to a liquid or pureed diet.
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Following this, and for the next 4 weeks, you must adopt a soft food diet (eggs, fish, pasta,...) least amount of chewing.
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After these 6 weeks, you can start introducing foods back into your diet as you see fit.
ORAL HYGIENE
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It is recommended to start brushing your teeth the day after your surgery.
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A children's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles will make brushing easier during this time.
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A mouthwash will be prescribed to complete your oral hygiene and help heal the wounds.
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You will start using the mouthwash the day after your surgery.
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It is favourable to rinse your mouth following each meal.
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NASAL CONGESTION
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Nasal congestion is quite frequent following surgery, particularly with upper jaw surgery.
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After upper jaw surgery, it is important to not blow your nose for the first 2 weeks.
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A saline nose vaporiser can be used to alleviate congestion.
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NUMBNESS
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It is normal to have a numb face after surgery.
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Time and the prescribed anti-inflammatories will help you regain feeling.
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STITCHES
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All stitches are dissolvable and will fall out on their own, most likely within 2 weeks of your surgery.
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BANDAGES
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If a bandage has been applied to your chin, you must remove it 5 days after surgery.
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ELASTICS
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If elastics have been put in place, these must not be removed. They will be removed at your first follow-up appointment.
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If eleastics were to break or fall before your first follow-up appointment, do not worry. Nothing is required.
PAIN
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Ice compresses in the first 48 hours will help alleviate the pain.
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It is recommended to take pain killers regularly in the first 48 to 72 hours and then, as needed.
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MEDICATION
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It is recommended to take medication as prescribed.
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If you were prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the entire prescription.
ALIGNMENT TRAYS
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Wear them as recommended by your surgeon.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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You will want to rest in the few days following your surgery.
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A low impact activity such as walking is possible, depending on your comfort and energy levels.
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It is not recommended to practice a high impact activity for the first 2 weeks after your surgery.
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Activities with a risk of falling or any contact sports are to be avoided for the first 3 months after surgery.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US AT 514-667-5354
GET WELL SOON!