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Jaw Surgery Recovery Time (Page 1)

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Author	Topic: Jaw Surgery Recovery Time
LDSpring unregistered	posted 07-09-2005 04:09 AM I had jaw surgery (upper/lower) 3 1/2 months ago. Wondering when if ever I'll feel "normal" again. Very worried. Difficulty opening mouth comfortably. Roof of mouth completely numb, chin numb. Tooth graying. Wish I would not have done it. Don't understand why anyone would recommend this type of surgery so lightly. .
LISA unregistered	posted 07-09-2005 03:55 PM LDSPRING, MY DAUGHTER HAD SAME SURGERY THIS PAST WEDNESDAY, HASYOUR OS SAID WHY TEETH ARE GRAYING? I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THAT SINCE MY DAUGHTER ALSO HAS BRACES ON, DID'T KNOW IF YOU DO TOO. WE WILL BEING GOING TO SEE HIM MONDAY FOR POST-OP AND I WILL BE SURE TO ASK, WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT I FIND OUT IF YOU LIKE. .
Samantha unregistered	posted 07-12-2005 03:02 PM I got my surgery exactly a week ago on both upper and lower jaws and most of my numbness almost gone. Only my chin and bottom lip is numb. I heard that if the numbness stays then it may be due to a nerve being damaged. During my op the nerve for the right side of my lower lip got damaged and i may never get the feeling back again. As for graying teeth i was given a great mouthwash to use, its called chlorhexidine. My teeth and whiter than ever. .
lucy unregistered	posted 07-27-2005 07:30 AM hi, i also have an underbite. i have been to see the oral sugergan and now have to make up my mind about having it done. I will have to have both jaws moved, my upper jaw brought foward, and my lower jaw set back. Do you think it is worth it? Did you got throught alot of pain after the surgery? .
Samantha unregistered	posted 07-29-2005 03:44 PM To be completely honest i love my new bite! I could never of imagined my teeth to be so perfect. I still have a bit of swelling which will take time to go down but at the moment i am 100% happy with my decision. I went through no pain at all. I was actually really suprised. The sorest thing about the whole experience was getting my drip in. I would say to anyone with the option to go ahead. .
Lauren unregistered	posted 08-01-2005 06:51 PM Hi I'm 19 and had both jaws moved on the 4th of July. The top jaw had some bone removed to reduce the gummy smile i once had and the bottom set back and angled up more. I wen through no pain, the worst you get is a discofort from throbbing in you lip as the feeling is coming back. the hospital stay was relativley boring but slept most the time, was in hospital 4 days. the feeling in the right side of my face returned after two-three days, and most of my feeling in the left has returned, now (1 month later) although there is numbness in the bottom left hand side of my lip, but i am confident it will return as it tingles and is not 100% numb, my surgeon also said none of the nerves were damaged in the op. My swelling is not quite minimal although still noticable by myself and a few friends. I love my new shorter face, not quite britney spears, but well on the was, i have a lovely smile now, although i would now reccommend the op to everyone who needs it, there are defintly times you wish you never had it dome during the recoery rocess such as day 3, i was pre warned this would be my worst day as it is supposedly when the anethstic leaves you body, so be prepared to feel awful. Also lack of food makes you feel dredful, although i am just starting to eat solid food at a very slow pace, but that is great, being able to eat what you want when you want. as for teeth greying, i think mine look whiter. .
franzmex unregistered	posted 08-01-2005 10:03 PM I had surgery on June 7 2005 for an overbite functional issue. Almost 2 months ago and like LDSpring I do not feel I would recommend this to anyone. Mine was only lower jaw surgery. The numbness on one half of my chin and lip is uncomfortable and distracting. Still "hoping" it comes back. If you are considering this surgery be aware that at least in my case I cannot open my mouth more than 2 fingers wide even 2months later. Does anybody have a positive experience with being able to eat a big hamburger again? please reply cause I am worried about this too. If you care about function and not necesarilly looks, so far, I do NOT recommend this surgery. .
Ryan Thompson unregistered	posted 08-07-2005 08:46 PM I had the same surgery(lower jaw back, upper jaw forward) Jul 26th, almost 2 weeks ago. The surgery went well and my only complaint is the numbness in my lower lip and chin. Its not really bad, just annoying at times, when I'm drinking and don't feel things drip down my face. I have a bite plate in and rubberbands for about 4 more weeks. I've been drinking a lot of protein shakes, and for breakfasts drinks like Ensure and Boost provide a lot of nutrients. I've lost right around 10 lbs, but overall I'd say the surgery was very worth it, even with my mouth shut, I can tell my bite is going to be perfect, which I never imagined possible. .
ashley unregistered	posted 08-16-2005 09:28 AM [QUOTE]Hi Ryan I have the exact same thing that you did. My surgery will be in about 8 mos. I'm so scared! How long do you stay numb?? .
Brenda unregistered	posted 08-16-2005 06:45 PM Wow! I am scheduled for my lower jaw in Oct. 2005. I am a bit scared, but I know it is for the best because of my situation. I've been wearing braces since 2003 and was first told I would need both top and bottom jaws moved. Now I will only need the bottom moved. They had to pull my wisdom teeth from my bottom jaw as they will need to cut the bone where they were at. My lower jaw sticks out further and is wider then my upper jaw. I've had teeth removed when I was younger which resulted in bone loss. Before the braces I had to have skin removed from the roof of my mouth and placed at my gum line on my front-bottom teeth. Since I am missing teeth, all my molars were turned inward and I would bite on the sides of the teeth and most of the time my cheeks got in the way. Now that I have had the braces in, all my teeth are upright and it is great. They just don't meet with the top teeth. However, In addition to my jaw surgery, I will need a second surgery a few moths following my jaw surgery. They will need to take bone from my hip bone to build up the bone where the teeth were removed when I was a child. Then they will be placing stems (?) and eventually a bridge for both sides. Has anyone ever had this done? I heard that the bone removal from my hip will be worse then the jaw surgery. My jaw should be numb for a while, but when I get up to move after the bone removal, I will have much pain in my hips. Could someone let me know what to expect for this? Thanks! .
jacquie unregistered	posted 08-16-2005 11:05 PM Hi my name is Jacquie, i am having 2 jaw surgery in 3 weeks same as what you have told to get done. I am very scared about it but it is for the best as i am told my surgeon is very good am i have full confidence in her. I hope you choose to go through with surgery it will give you a new lease of life. Got to take the Bad with the Good. Good luck. quote: Originally posted by lucy: hi, i also have an underbite. i have been to see the oral sugergan and now have to make up my mind about having it done. I will have to have both jaws moved, my upper jaw brought foward, and my lower jaw set back. Do you think it is worth it? Did you got throught alot of pain after the surgery? .
laura unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 01:49 AM stumbled across this when I was actually trying to find other information...felt moved to post... Had jaw surgery in December. Long recovery process...but probably the BEST decision I EVER made. Completely changed my appearance...for the better!...and it makes life a lot easier. When I was in pain and couldn't talk, etc, I definitely second-guessed myself. But once those first 5 months are over, you will start feeling normal again, well -- not normal -- BETTER than you've ever felt. Promise. Do it. Is a better quality life worth a few months of frustration? I think so. .
Laura unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 01:50 AM PS... I had the upper AND lower jaw done, so just saying my experience is probably comprable to yours. Adios. .
getting there unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 01:52 AM hi..I had lower jaw surgery on June 21st. The moved my jaw 4mm forward. In terms of pain etc it was about 3 times worse than getting my wisdom teeth out. Lots of swelling, bruising and looking really ugly. By the time I got my wires off 12 days later I felt fine going out in public. Arnica is really helpful in bringing down the swelling and bruising. I took two things: Arnica Montana 30x & Bromelain with Quecetin--you can get these from health food stores, you can also get an arnica gel or cream at any drug store. It's now been about a month and I can't open my mouth quite all the way, and my bite isn't perfect (my ortho still has to work with it) the worst part is the chin and lower lip numbness. This aspect of the surgery wasn't fully explained to me untill two days prior to the surgery--apparently it can take up to a year for numbness to go away and sometimes complete feeling never comes back. That's really scary b/c I had this done to avoid pain and discomfort and chin and lower lip numbness is pain and discomfort. Oh, one other annoying thing--after the swelling went down my jaw/chin area where most of the swelling was, broke out in a yucky kind of rash, it isn't really visable, but I'm not used to having bad skin so it's really iratateting. I think it will go away soon. Overall, if the numbness in my chin goes away it will be quite perfect. My teeth are much better and my recovery was really not that bad. quote: Originally posted by LDSpring: I had jaw surgery (upper/lower) 3 1/2 months ago. Wondering when if ever I'll feel "normal" again. Very worried. Difficulty opening mouth comfortably. Roof of mouth completely numb, chin numb. Tooth graying. Wish I would not have done it. Don't understand why anyone would recommend this type of surgery so lightly. .
lani unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 01:18 PM I will be having my surgery (both jaws moved) in about 7 mos. The only thing that I am really concered about is the numbing afterwards. How long does it last?? And is it common to be permenant?? .
anita unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 07:53 PM I hate jaw surgery .
jacquie unregistered	posted 08-17-2005 11:24 PM hi , just wondering laura said 5 months until feeling normal again?? i am getting married in jan06 and having 2 jaw surgery in sept o5, do you think i wont be recovered bu then?? quote: Originally posted by laura: stumbled across this when I was actually trying to find other information...felt moved to post... Had jaw surgery in December. Long recovery process...but probably the BEST decision I EVER made. Completely changed my appearance...for the better!...and it makes life a lot easier. When I was in pain and couldn't talk, etc, I definitely second-guessed myself. But once those first 5 months are over, you will start feeling normal again, well -- not normal -- BETTER than you've ever felt. Promise. Do it. Is a better quality life worth a few months of frustration? I think so. .
Nikki unregistered	posted 08-18-2005 10:20 PM Well I had my upper and lower jaw surgery three weeks ago. Before my surgery nobody ever told me about how long the numbness would last. They said it wold be different for everyone. When i went back in to get my rubber bands (instead of wires) my surgeon told me it should take about 4-6 weeks. So I am praying every night for it to come back as soon as possible. I have been in hiding at my mothers house ever since my surgery and I am supposed to start school on the 30th and i dont want to go if I'm still numb. It takes some effort to talk and I look so funny when I do, plus I can't even smile normal. .
Nikki Again... unregistered	posted 08-18-2005 10:22 PM I accidently sent that, I wasn't finished hehe. Anyway I was going to say that I was lucky because I didn't have much swelling or bruising. I had a sore throat for about a week or so afterwards. It was miserable trying to drink anything but I got through it. I didn't have any pain at all other than some headaches. I know I will be happy with it after the stupid numbness goes away, at least part of it! .
Jill unregistered	posted 08-23-2005 01:36 PM I am 15 years old and I have a small underbite and my orthodontist said surgery was an option and I really want to get it. I am just scared and I was just wondering how long the recovery process would be and how long until the swelling starts to go down. .
Jacquie unregistered	posted 09-05-2005 08:05 PM Hi as i have said i am havin two jaw surgery nect week. Sept 12th, i am getting married in Jan on the 28th do you think i will be recovered by then i am so scared on what i am going to look like after!! quote: Originally posted by Laura: PS... I had the upper AND lower jaw done, so just saying my experience is probably comprable to yours. Adios. .
Gavin unregistered	posted 09-06-2005 07:49 PM I am having upper and lower jaw surgury next thursday. Is there anything I can do to help to recovery go faster? Does being physically fit help? How long until I am almost bak to normal? .
Pam unregistered	posted 09-21-2005 11:58 AM I feel that the few months of discomfort is fine but the prospect of permanent lower lip numbness is very unsettling. quote: Originally posted by laura: stumbled across this when I was actually trying to find other information...felt moved to post... Had jaw surgery in December. Long recovery process...but probably the BEST decision I EVER made. Completely changed my appearance...for the better!...and it makes life a lot easier. When I was in pain and couldn't talk, etc, I definitely second-guessed myself. But once those first 5 months are over, you will start feeling normal again, well -- not normal -- BETTER than you've ever felt. Promise. Do it. Is a better quality life worth a few months of frustration? I think so. .
Pam unregistered	posted 09-21-2005 12:01 PM I am 1-week post op and have no feeling in my lower lip. I had expected some loss of feeling, but not to this extent. How much feeling have you gotten back? Do you still drool? All the other pain and discomfort is nothing and no bother, but the thought of no feeling in my lip is very disturbing. quote: Originally posted by getting there: hi..I had lower jaw surgery on June 21st. The moved my jaw 4mm forward. In terms of pain etc it was about 3 times worse than getting my wisdom teeth out. Lots of swelling, bruising and looking really ugly. By the time I got my wires off 12 days later I felt fine going out in public. Arnica is really helpful in bringing down the swelling and bruising. I took two things: Arnica Montana 30x & Bromelain with Quecetin--you can get these from health food stores, you can also get an arnica gel or cream at any drug store. It's now been about a month and I can't open my mouth quite all the way, and my bite isn't perfect (my ortho still has to work with it) the worst part is the chin and lower lip numbness. This aspect of the surgery wasn't fully explained to me untill two days prior to the surgery--apparently it can take up to a year for numbness to go away and sometimes complete feeling never comes back. That's really scary b/c I had this done to avoid pain and discomfort and chin and lower lip numbness is pain and discomfort. Oh, one other annoying thing--after the swelling went down my jaw/chin area where most of the swelling was, broke out in a yucky kind of rash, it isn't really visable, but I'm not used to having bad skin so it's really iratateting. I think it will go away soon. Overall, if the numbness in my chin goes away it will be quite perfect. My teeth are much better and my recovery was really not that bad. .
Pam unregistered	posted 09-22-2005 05:00 PM I'm the same, only 1-week post op. Didn't realize the extent of the numbness, it's very disturbing. Does it tingle? Is there any feeling 3 weeks later? quote: Originally posted by Nikki: Well I had my upper and lower jaw surgery three weeks ago. Before my surgery nobody ever told me about how long the numbness would last. They said it wold be different for everyone. When i went back in to get my rubber bands (instead of wires) my surgeon told me it should take about 4-6 weeks. So I am praying every night for it to come back as soon as possible. I have been in hiding at my mothers house ever since my surgery and I am supposed to start school on the 30th and i dont want to go if I'm still numb. It takes some effort to talk and I look so funny when I do, plus I can't even smile normal. .
Ani unregistered	posted 09-26-2005 10:25 PM Hello. I had both upper and lower jaw surgery in December of 2003. My upper jaw was moved forward and leveled out and my lower jaw was moved back. I'll start by saying that it was the best decision I ever made and would never ever take it back. When I woke up for the first time and looked at my jaw for the first time, I'm not gonna lie, I cried because I was so happy. It wasn't all fun though, was also the most painful experience that I have ever had in my life, and that may be attributable to the fact that the nurse was too scared to give me enough pain medication. My swelling did not peak until about the 5th day, and I had to have been about three times my normal size. Some swelling remained for about a month and a half, most of which in the end was at my upper lip. In response to the numbness, it all depends. My surgeon told me that 20% of patients will not get their feeling back, when you have rigid internal fixation done on the lower jaw. With rigid internal fixation the patient only needs to be in rubber bands for one week and can start eating soft foods after two weeks. I just wanted to say that my feeling has not returned. I have a tingling sensation in my chin and lower lip to this day. It bothers me sometimes, but for the most part I don't even think about it. I've learned how to not drool and it hasn't caused any life altering changes. Since I had been waiting so long for the surgery and I am so happy with it, I can live with the numbness. quote: Originally posted by Pam: I'm the same, only 1-week post op. Didn't realize the extent of the numbness, it's very disturbing. Does it tingle? Is there any feeling 3 weeks later? .
Ani unregistered	posted 09-26-2005 10:25 PM Hello. I had both upper and lower jaw surgery in December of 2003. My upper jaw was moved forward and leveled out and my lower jaw was moved back. I'll start by saying that it was the best decision I ever made and would never ever take it back. When I woke up for the first time and looked at my jaw for the first time, I'm not gonna lie, I cried because I was so happy. It wasn't all fun though, was also the most painful experience that I have ever had in my life, and that may be attributable to the fact that the nurse was too scared to give me enough pain medication. My swelling did not peak until about the 5th day, and I had to have been about three times my normal size. Some swelling remained for about a month and a half, most of which in the end was at my upper lip. In response to the numbness, it all depends. My surgeon told me that 20% of patients will not get their feeling back, when you have rigid internal fixation done on the lower jaw. With rigid internal fixation the patient only needs to be in rubber bands for one week and can start eating soft foods after two weeks. I just wanted to say that my feeling has not returned. I have a tingling sensation in my chin and lower lip to this day. It bothers me sometimes, but for the most part I don't even think about it. I've learned how to not drool and it hasn't caused any life altering changes. Since I had been waiting so long for the surgery and I am so happy with it, I can live with the numbness. quote: Originally posted by Pam: I'm the same, only 1-week post op. Didn't realize the extent of the numbness, it's very disturbing. Does it tingle? Is there any feeling 3 weeks later? .
Rachel unregistered	posted 09-27-2005 07:07 PM Are you crazy? How can you live with numbness...it's annoying as hell, and it's ruining my life. What if it never comes back...I'd just die! .
Ani unregistered	posted 10-01-2005 08:54 PM No, I am not crazy. I was extremely unhappy before I had the surgery and my life has improved immensely since. For me, improvements in self esteem are worth having a little bit of numbness in my lower lip. You may be experiencing more numbness than I have at this point, so it may be more bothersome. Eventually you no longer feel it any more...maybe once in a while here and there when the cold outside air hits your chin or when you try to eat some really hot food. I guess its just a personal thing. quote: Originally posted by Rachel: Are you crazy? How can you live with numbness...it's annoying as hell, and it's ruining my life. What if it never comes back...I'd just die! .
Penny unregistered	posted 10-07-2005 07:19 PM quote: Originally posted by Ani: Hello. I had both upper and lower jaw surgery in December of 2003. My upper jaw was moved forward and leveled out and my lower jaw was moved back. I'll start by saying that it was the best decision I ever made and would never ever take it back. When I woke up for the first time and looked at my jaw for the first time, I'm not gonna lie, I cried because I was so happy. It wasn't all fun though, was also the most painful experience that I have ever had in my life, and that may be attributable to the fact that the nurse was too scared to give me enough pain medication. My swelling did not peak until about the 5th day, and I had to have been about three times my normal size. Some swelling remained for about a month and a half, most of which in the end was at my upper lip. In response to the numbness, it all depends. My surgeon told me that 20% of patients will not get their feeling back, when you have rigid internal fixation done on the lower jaw. With rigid internal fixation the patient only needs to be in rubber bands for one week and can start eating soft foods after two weeks. I just wanted to say that my feeling has not returned. I have a tingling sensation in my chin and lower lip to this day. It bothers me sometimes, but for the most part I don't even think about it. I've learned how to not drool and it hasn't caused any life altering changes. Since I had been waiting so long for the surgery and I am so happy with it, I can live with the numbness. .
Penny unregistered	posted 10-07-2005 07:19 PM quote: Originally posted by Ani: Hello. I had both upper and lower jaw surgery in December of 2003. My upper jaw was moved forward and leveled out and my lower jaw was moved back. I'll start by saying that it was the best decision I ever made and would never ever take it back. When I woke up for the first time and looked at my jaw for the first time, I'm not gonna lie, I cried because I was so happy. It wasn't all fun though, was also the most painful experience that I have ever had in my life, and that may be attributable to the fact that the nurse was too scared to give me enough pain medication. My swelling did not peak until about the 5th day, and I had to have been about three times my normal size. Some swelling remained for about a month and a half, most of which in the end was at my upper lip. In response to the numbness, it all depends. My surgeon told me that 20% of patients will not get their feeling back, when you have rigid internal fixation done on the lower jaw. With rigid internal fixation the patient only needs to be in rubber bands for one week and can start eating soft foods after two weeks. I just wanted to say that my feeling has not returned. I have a tingling sensation in my chin and lower lip to this day. It bothers me sometimes, but for the most part I don't even think about it. I've learned how to not drool and it hasn't caused any life altering changes. Since I had been waiting so long for the surgery and I am so happy with it, I can live with the numbness. .
Penny unregistered	posted 10-07-2005 07:29 PM quote: Originally posted by Ani: Hello. I had surgery on the lower and upper jaws 6 weeks ago and am really happy with the postion of my teeth and profile. I have a tingling sensation on my lips and chin. Opening my mouth is still restricted. The pain was more severe than i expected and i have still difficulty sleeping. The pain relief helps but i did not expect that I still would be needing it at this stage. The swelling has just begun to noticebly go down. It is a slow recovery, lack of energy but when all is said and done I would not turn the clock back! Glad I got the surgery and have the patience to wait for the feeling to come back. .
Jacquie unregistered	posted 10-09-2005 07:48 PM I am know 1 month post op after having 2 jaw surgery (upper forward,lower back and correcting an open bite) and also having my 4 wisdom teeth out at the same time. All of my swelling is almost gone and i am know starting to feel normal and happy again. I have had almost no pain at all mostly discomfort. Mt surgeon was fantastic she is based in Sydney NSW Australia, a lady in fact. I think the worst thing about this surgery is having the drains after the op they are so annoying and grose!! but you only have to put up with them for 24hrs. I was in hospital for 4 days. Eating pureed food isnt that bad, i have kind of gotton use to it, my jaw isnt wired shut so a lot of the time i cook really tender meat putit in my mouth and just suck it and it is really easy to break down with your tongue and saliva. I am getting married in 2 month so hoping looks are back to normal by then haha. Good luck to all of you with surgery, it is worth it. You just have to keep thinking of the results.. They will be fantastic!! .
Ryan Thompson unregistered	posted 10-10-2005 04:49 AM Its been nearly 3 months since my surgery and i have total feeling in my upper lip and about 90% in my lower and chin. It took about 2 months for my chin to even regain any feeling, but now things are going much better. Earlier today I was so amped because I ate a roast beef sandwich with no problems. It was a good feeling to start eating real food again. I would recommend the surgery to anyone who needs it, but be sure to do it in summer if you are still in school because it would suck to have to go to school with numb facial features and not being able to eat in public without feeling self-conscious for a while. If you work, try to get off as much time as possible, at least till you are talking fairly decent. I had my mouth completely shut for the first 10 days, both because of swelling and rubberbands, and then had rubberbands to attach to my top and bottom braces thereafter for about a month at night to keep my mouth closed and in a locked position. I also has a plastic/rubber splint on the roof of my mouth to hold whatever they did to widen my pallot in place. Getting that out took 6 weeks and now all I have is my braces and a stupid metal wire in the upper part. My tongue hits it occasionally but nothing too bad at all. to all those wanting to get the surgery or needing it in most cases, i say go for it, the end result is well worth it. dont listen to the horror stories. if you feel you need it for more than cosmetic reasons, as it affects your eating, talking, breathing etc, go for it! .
horsey girl unregistered	posted 10-11-2005 07:48 PM I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WENT THROUGH WITH ORAL SUGERY ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, i HAVE TO HAVE THE SAME THING DONE. SHE HAD A GOLD CHAIN BONDED TO HER TOOTH THAT WAS STILL IN HER JAW TO PULL IT DOWN. i AM SCARED TO HAVE THIS DONE HAVE ANYONE OF YOU HAD THIS DONE?? .

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