Maxillofacial surgery varies greatly depending on the problem and procedure. Some surgeries can be done in an outpatient setting, and you can go home the same day. Other treatment plans involve multiple surgeries to achieve the desired results. Maxillofacial surgeons are trained and authorized to deliver anesthesia to prevent pain or put you to sleep. Your healthcare team will talk to you about whether you'll need anesthesia and what type is best for you. Toward the end of the procedure, your surgeon may use stitches to close any surgical wounds. Your surgeon also may place packing in your mouth to protect your teeth or the wound and to absorb fluids such as blood and pus.

After maxillofacial surgery, you may have some discomfort or pain as the medication wears off. You’ll also probably experience:

Bleeding

Bruising.

Limited use of the jaw and teeth.

Swelling.

 

Your doctor will talk to you about how the surgery went, when you can go home and how to take care of yourself during recovery. If you receive anesthesia, you should have someone drive you home.

Radiovisuography (RVG) is used to take small intraoral radiographs which closely visualise two to three tooth and surrounding structure while Orthopantogram (OPG) is taken extraorally to visualise entire maxilla and mandible.

As with any operation, there are risks with maxillofacial surgery, such as:

Bleeding.

Dry socket, a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction involving problems with blood clots.

Infection.

Injury to teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks, chin, nasal cavity, sinuses, or maxillofacial bones or tissue.

Numbness or changes in sensation in the mouth or other areas of your face.

Pain.

Possible damage to nerves that move some of the muscles of your face.

Root fragments, a rare complication when a piece of tooth root breaks off and stays in place after surgery.

TMJ disorders.

Recovery after maxillofacial surgery depends on the type of procedure you have. You’ll likely experience some discomfort, sensitivity, swelling and bleeding for at least a few days. Your doctor may recommend pain medications to keep you comfortable.

If you received stitches, they’ll either dissolve or be removed in about a week.

You may have to avoid certain foods and activities for days or weeks. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, which may include:

Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation.

Avoid foods that are crunchy, chewy or hard.

Avoid tobacco products and alcohol.

Don’t exercise for a few days because it can increase bleeding and swelling.

Rest to prevent complications.

Rinse your teeth instead of brushing them to kill bacteria in the mouth.

After maxillofacial surgery, seek medical attention if you experience any signs of infection or other complications:

Fever or chills.

Abnormal swelling or pain that doesn’t get better gradually.

Salty, metallic or bad taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away.

Excessive pus or blood.