Cavalancia Orthodontics

5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery

September 5, 2022
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Posted By: Jeffrey Cavalancia

Cavalancia Orthodontics: Making the Impossible Possible

Our team of orthodontists at Cavalancia specializes in patient care and tangible results. Whether our patients need braces, retainers, or jaw surgery to fix a deep-rooted issue, our staff is ready and capable of helping. More specifically, we curate specific tips and techniques to improve the post-surgical process, allowing you to return to your routine lifestyle. For patients about to undergo jaw surgery, here's what we recommend at Cavalancia Orthodontics.

Tip 1: Rest Rest Is Your Best Friend

If you need an excuse to nap all day and relax with your favorite television shows, jaw surgery is your answer. Sleeping enhances the recovery process by relaxing the muscles and tissue surrounding the surgical site, driving blood and nutrients to the area.

Tip 2: Don’t Binge on Junk Food

Let's be honest: the idea of cooking healthy and nutritious food after undergoing surgery sounds boring, but it's an essential part of your post-surgical recuperation. Instead, we recommend reaching for healthy snacks like carrots, berries, vegetables, and glasses of cold water, flavored or otherwise. However, toss your food items into a blender or juicer to avoid chewing motions that can inflame your surgical location.

Tip 3: Don't Forget the Lips

After surgery, the last thing on your mind is your lips. However, excessive dryness and chapped lips are the most common post-surgery problem our patients experience. Between naps and meals, make sure to moisturize by using a gentle chapstick.

Tip 4: Maintain A Pain-Fighting Regimen

Recovering from surgery is never fun, but pain and discomfort are effectively mitigated by maintaining a strict pain medication regimen. Ask your doctor how often you can take your medication and set alarms, timers, and reminders to stay on top of your routine. 

Tip 5: Saltwater Flushes

Between meals, it's essential to clean away the bacteria and buildup that accumulates in your mouth and near your incision site. While brushing is your go-to solution, don't be afraid to rinse your mouth with warm water infused with a teaspoon of salt. Saltwater soothes inflammation and neutralizes bacteria by increasing the pH level in our mouth. In simple terms, germs cannot thrive in a high-pH mouth, leaving you feeling better than ever.


Ready to Get Started?

If you're on the fence about jaw surgery, braces, or anything in between, our orthodontist team is ready to answer your pressing questions. If you're ready to get started with your orthodontic journey, reach out to Cavalancia Orthodontics today.

Phone: (724) 463-7700 (Indiana, PA) or (814) 254-4637 (Johnstown, PA)
Location: 152 N 5th St. Indiana, PA 15701 or 101 College Park Plaza, Johnstown, PA 15904

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