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Wired Jaw Surgery Post-Operative Patient Instructions

Jaw wiring is a procedure used to hold your jaw in place. You have had this procedure to help your jaw bone heal.

ORAL CARE:

  • Rinse your mouth with the Peridex mouthwash that was prescribed after surgery three times a day after meals. You can also rinse with salt water (half (½) a teaspoon salt per eight (8) oz. water).
  • 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.
  • Do not use commercial mouthwashes such as Scope® and Listerine® until 2 (two) weeks.
  • Use Aquaphor® or Vaseline® to avoid dry, cracked lips

WIRES:
You, your friends and family need to know how to cut your wires in case of an emergency such as choking or if you are having severe breathing problems.

  • Maintain wire cutters on you at all times in case of emergency.
  • DO NOT CUT YOUR WIRES UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY.
  • Contact our office immediately if your wires have been cut; they will have to be replaced!

DIET:

  • Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. Alcohol can cause dehydration and nausea. If you are intoxicated, you are much more likely to suffer severe or life threatening complications such as choking on vomit.
  • Consume 6 (six) to 8 (eight) small meals a day instead of 3 (three) large meals.
  • Use a blender to liquefy most of the foods in your normal diet by adding warm milk, water or broth to the food.
  • Drink Carnation® Instant Breakfast, Ensure® or Boost®
  • Eat soft foods. Mashed potatoes, blended soups, soft vegetables, pasta, smoothies, pudding, yogurt, etc.

ACTIVITY:

Avoid any strenuous or contact activity.

IF YOU VOMIT:

If you feel that you are going to vomit, follow these steps:

  • Bend forward or roll onto your side and try to remain calm.
  • Put your finger inside your cheek and pull your cheek out.
  • Clean your mouth after the vomiting is over.

Call our office for Questions or Emergency Care at (601) 984-5160.

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