Preparing for Orthognathic Surgery

You have been scheduled for orthognathic surgery. This is treatment that reshapes the jaws to improve their form and function. During the months leading up to surgery, you'll work with your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will keep your surgeon updated on when your teeth are likely to be in the right positions for surgery. You'll be given plenty of time to get ready for surgery and plan your recovery.

Seeing Your Orthodontist

During this period, you'll see your orthodontist often. At these visits, he or she will check your progress. Your braces may be adjusted. More records may be taken. These are pictures, x-rays, and models that document the positions of the teeth and jaws. Your orthodontist will tell you if the timeline for your surgery needs to be revised, and will update your surgeon. Discuss any concerns about your bite with your orthodontist.

Meeting with Your Surgeon

Shortly before surgery you'll meet with your surgeon. He or she will evaluate your progress and finalize the surgical plan. You'll discuss factors that could affect surgery, such as medications and allergies. You'll also have an exam and blood tests to make sure you're healthy enough for surgery. Depending on various factors, you may also need other tests, such as a chest x-ray.

Before Surgery

Surgery takes place in a hospital or surgery center. A day or two before your surgery:

• Stock up on liquid foods you can eat without chewing. These include total-nutrition drinks, soup, and milk. Foods that are easy to liquify, such as bananas, are good, too.

• If you don't already have a blender, buy or borrow one.

• Arrange for an adult family member or friend to give you a ride home and stay with you after surgery.

• Don't eat or drink for at least 8 hours before surgery. Ask the surgeon whether you should take your regular medications during this period. If so, take them with small sips of water.

What You Can Do to Prepare

During the months before surgery, there's a lot you can do to make your treatment and recovery easier. For example:

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases the risk of complications during surgery. It slows healing after surgery. It can also cause or worsen gum disease. The sooner you quit, the better. Ask your primary healthcare provider to help you make a plan to quit smoking.

• Arrange for time off to recover. Planning in advance helps make your absence from school or work go smoothly. Ask your surgeon how long your home recovery is likely to take.

• Learn about your recovery. After surgery, you won't be able to chew at first. In some cases the jaw is held shut (immobilized) for about 2 weeks. So you'll need to learn what to eat, how to eat, and how to stay comfortable.

• Make medication changes as directed. Be sure your surgeon knows about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take. You may be advised to stop taking certain ones a few weeks before surgery.