• A metal arch bar may be attached to your teeth to keep the broken segments together and allow for wiring your mouth closed. It is very important to keep the wires and bars clean. This can be done with a regular or electric toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Healing of bones can take between 3-6 weeks. Occasionally, additional treatment will be required.
• Swelling and tightness of the muscles is normal and may cause difficulty in opening the mouth for a short period of time.
• You may experience some or all of the following symptoms which typically, improve with time:
Earaches,
Sore throat
Numbness of the lips, gums or tongue
Temperature elevation for the first 24-48 hours.
Discomfort or tightness to or around the teeth.
• After the wires are removed, tooth brushing and dental cleaning will bring the gums to normal tissue tone. You are advised to see your general dentist for a professional cleaning.
• If you are wired closed, a fully blenderized diet is necessary. We will be happy to give you suggestions for your diet, however, basically you can eat anything that can be put into a blender. A soft diet is recommended for patients that are not wired closed.
• Appropriate antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed. Please take these medicines as directed on the bottle.
• If your upper and lower jaws are wired together, WIRE CUTTERS MUST BE CARIED WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. In case of severe vomiting, pull the check aside and cut the vertical wires. The horizontal bar cannot be cut.
