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Surgical Instructions
- Before Anesthesia
- Dental Implants
- Wisdom Teeth
- Exposure of Impacted Tooth
- Extractions
- Multiple Extractions
- Orthognathic Surgery
- TMJ Surgery
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After TMJ Surgery
Swelling of the face and neck is not uncommon after TMJ surgery. Following TMJ arthroscopy, the swelling will usually subside after several days with the use of hot compresses applied to the side of the involved TMJ. Following TMJ arthroplasty, the swelling may last for 6 weeks. Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area continuously for the first 48 hours only while you are awake, then switch to heat to the side of the face for the next week to help reduce swelling.
For mild discomfort use Tylenol 500 mg 1-2 tablets every 6 hours or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg (2-4 tablets) every 4 hours as necessary for pain. For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, you must finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms. A steroid, such as Medrol Dose Pack, may have been prescribed for swelling. If a rash or itching developes, stop taking the offending medication and call Dr. Anderson at 770-396-8860 immediately.
Restrict your diet to liquids and pureed foods with one can of Boost, Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast or Slim-Fast between meals for the first 1 to 2 days following surgery. You should be having 6-8 small meals a day of a high protein, high calorie, high fat diet. You should be ingesting a minimum of 150 grams of protein and 2500 calories per day. Powdered food supplements (Meretine, Sustagen, Provimalt, or Carnation Instant Breakfast) may be added to whole or 2% milk for extra protein. Use a food processor to puree any food that you want to have and then dilute the puree to the consistency that is necessary for you to drink. After the second day, you can advance your diet to a soft non-chew consistency. Over the next week, you can advance your diet to a regular diet as tolerated.
If you become nauseated, lay down and elevate your feet. If the nausea subsides by the maneuver, the nausea is caused by a drop in your blood-pressure. To minimize this condition, when standing-up, do so slowly. If you become dizzy or nauseated, lay down. If your nausea is related to taking any of your prescribed medication, you will need to take Phenergan 25 mg every 4-6 hours. Call Dr. Anderson if you require this medication.
The pressure dressing over the extra-oral incisions may be removed after 24 hours. The extra-oral incisions are to be cleaned with a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to remove gross crusting along the incision after the third day and twice a day there after. The incision should then be covered with a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment, and a band-aid placed over the sutures. You may shower after two days and then follow the above instructions concerning care of the incisions.
Starting the day of surgery, you should perform jaw stretching exercises twice every hour while you are awake for the next six weeks. You must open your mouth as wide as possible and then try to stretch a little farther. If you have difficulty opening your mouth wide, call the office so that a mouth opening device can be obtained.
Atlanta Office:
4721 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Ste 301
Atlanta, GA 30338-6000
770-396-8860 O 770-395-6546 FAX
