POST-OP CARE: FRACTURE

1. In order for a fracture of your jaw to heal properly, it must be immobilized like any other broken bone. This is accomplished by wiring your jaw closed (teeth together). Other bones are immobilized by being put into a cast.
2. Four to six weeks are needed for most fractures to heal; therefore your jaw will be wired
   closed (in fixation) for approximately this period of time, depending on the severity of the
   fracture.
3. If a wire or elastic breaks for any reason, in any stage of treatment, our office should be
   notified so that arrangements can be made for a replacement.
4. A sharp pair of scissors or nail clippers should be kept with you at all times. If an emergency
   should occur and the wires or elastics need to be cut so you can open your mouth, please call
   our office and let us know you had to cut a wire or elastic.
5. Lips should be kept moist with Vaseline or any lip balm. This is very important, as you will
   not be able to lick your lips.
6. Oral hygiene is very important to prevent infection and facilitate good healing. This can be
   achieved by using frequent salt water rinses, ½ tsp. salt to an 8oz. glass of warm water and
   gentle tooth brushing.
7. Your medication and food will be of liquid form, since you cannot open your mouth. If you
   have an antibiotic prescription you must have it filled and be sure to take it at the times
   specified until it is gone.
8. Nutrition can be maintained by a liquid diet. Almost any food can be liquefied in a blender.
   Many liquid nutritional products are also available in the supermarket.
9. No alcoholic beverages should be used as they tend to cause nausea or sickness when used
   with pain and/or antibiotic medicines.
10. Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be minimized so that undue stress is not put on
    the fractured segments.
11. If any unusual symptoms occur, please feel free to call our office. Our phones are answered
    24 hours a day.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to surgery please call our office:

Farmington Hills: (248) 553-3280
Canton: (734) 656-2500
Brighton: (810) 229-9600