Skip to content

After Mandible (Jaw) Fracture Surgery

After your surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and difficulty opening your mouth. These symptoms are expected and should gradually improve over the next several weeks.
Download After Care PDF
pain-management

Pain Management

Take your prescribed pain medication as directed.
You may also take:
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
As directed (maximum 4,000 mg/day for healthy adults; lower if you have liver disease or as instructed by your physician).
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
May be taken if approved by your surgeon.
  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, consuming alcohol, or making important decisions while taking narcotic pain medication.
medications

Medications

  • Resume normal medication as directed by your doctor after the appointment.
  • If you have been prescribed antibiotics and steroids, take those as instructed until they are finished.
swelling-after-jaw-surgery

Swelling

Swelling typically increases during the first 48–72 hours, peaks around day 2–3, then gradually improves over the following 1–2 weeks.
To reduce swelling:
  • Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off during the first 48 hours.
  • After 48 hours, warm compresses may help improve comfort.
  • Sleep with your head elevated using 2–3 pillows for the first week.
diet

Diet

A soft or liquid diet is essential to allow your jaw to heal.
  • Examples include: smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, fish, well-cooked vegetables
  • Avoid: chewing hard foods, crunchy foods, nuts, steak, raw vegetables, gum, ice, candy.
  • Do not chew until Dr. Bahi tells you it is safe to do so. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
oral-hygiene

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection.
Beginning the day after surgery:
  • Brush your teeth gently using a soft toothbrush.
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water) after meals and before bed.
  • If prescribed, use chlorhexidine mouth rinse exactly as directed.
  • Avoid brushing directly over incisions.
jaw-wiring

Elastics or Jaw Wiring

If your jaws have been secured with elastics or wires:
  • Do not remove elastics unless instructed.
  • Carry wire cutters (if provided) with you at all times.
If vomiting occurs while your jaws are wired shut:
  • Lean forward immediately.
  • Pull your cheeks outward.
  • Clear your mouth.
  • If breathing becomes difficult, cut the wires and seek emergency medical care immediately.
activity

Activity

  • For the first two weeks: Rest as needed. Walking is encouraged.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, contact sports, activities that could result in facial trauma.
  • Return to work or school as advised by your surgeon.
A circular pink icon featuring a black line drawing of a person with closed eyes and sparkle symbols, representing post-surgical numbness.

Numbness

  • Temporary numbness in the lower lip, chin, teeth, or tongue may occur after surgery.
    This usually improves over weeks to months, although recovery varies depending on the injury.
A minimalist pink circular icon showing upper and lower teeth positioned opposite each other, representing jaw rehabilitation exercises after surgery.

Jaw Exercises

  • Dr. Bahi will advise when to begin jaw-opening exercises.
  • Do not force your mouth open until instructed.
A circular pink icon featuring three falling fluid droplets beneath a horizontal oval, representing bleeding after mandible fracture surgery.

Bleeding

  • Minor oozing from the mouth is common for the first 24 hours.
  • If bleeding increases: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Sit upright.
  • Contact our office if bleeding persists.
    Call: (604) 507-0514
no-smoking

Smoking & Alcohol

DO NOT: Smoke or vape. Use nicotine products. Drink alcohol while taking pain medication. Smoking significantly increases the risk of infection, poor bone healing, and delayed recovery.
Emergency Signs

Call Our Office Immediately If You Experience

  • Fever greater than 38.5°C (101.3°F)
  • Increasing swelling after day 3
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing saliva
  • Severe uncontrolled pain
  • Pus or foul-smelling drainage
  • Persistent heavy bleeding
  • Broken plates, wires, or elastics
  • Sudden change in your bite
  • New facial trauma
If you have difficulty breathing or experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately.
Telephone handset icon representing a click-to-call contact option for reaching the clinic by phone.

Questions or Concerns?

A 24-hour answering service is available for after-hours contact.
Prescription renewal is only accepted during office hours.
(604) 507-0514

Contact Information

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office at 604-507-0514. Please try to call during office hours; however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with one of our oral surgeons. For after hours please call 604-507-0514 and then press 1 when the recording begins.
Please note: telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer) prescription renewal are ONLY accepted during office hours.