How long does it take to heal a broken jaw wired shut?

How long does it take to heal a broken jaw wired shut?

Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.

What happens when your jaw is wired shut and you vomit?

If anything comes out, it will be liquid as well — the stomach contents can escape around the teeth and will come out of your nose and mouth. It is not recommended that you try to cut your wires or elastics when you think you are going to vomit.

How do you live with your jaw wired shut?

Try to drink or eat liquid foods 6 times a day rather than 3 times a day. Sit up while you eat. Swallow slowly to keep from choking. Keep wire cutters with you at all times in case you throw up.

How do they remove wires of a broken jaw?

Pull on the twist with a hemostat or needle driver and pull the wire out. There are generally 2-4 fixation wires per each side that require cutting in order to open the mouth. In some instances, there may be heavy elastics vertically as well, pull and cut those as well.

Can a broken jaw heal without being wired?

Simple, closed, stable fractures can sometimes be very successfully treated without surgery or wiring the jaws shut. Patients must be extremely compliant with instructions for this to be successful.

What happens if you leave a broken jaw untreated?

It is important not to leave broken bones untreated as this may well result in difficulty with eating and drinking. Factures of any bones in the jaw will alter the way your mouth opens and closes, treatment will prevent risk of infections, dental decay and long term conditions such as arthritis.

Can you breathe with your jaw wired shut?

Risks of wiring the jaw shut There can be some risks of jaw wiring. These include: Choking while your jaw is wired. This can occur for many reasons, including if you vomit or cannot breathe.

How much weight do you lose after jaw surgery?

Following your surgery and throughout the post-operative recovery period, especially if your jaw is wired shut, you could lose as much as 10 percent of your body weight.

Can you brush your teeth with your jaw wired shut?

You should brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime. A small, soft, child size toothbrush is easier to use while your jaws are wired together. Brush your teeth by taking your finger and pulling out the cheek on the side that you plan to brush. Take your toothbrush and brush in and out.

How much does it cost to wire jaw shut?

Called the DDS System, the device costs nearly $500, and it is custom-made to fit the roof of your mouth. The manufacturer, Scientific Intake of Atlanta, touts the device as one that promotes behavior-change, rather than calling it a guaranteed weight-loss aid.

Do they wire a jaw shut?

Jaw wiring procedure Your doctor will wire your jaw together to stabilize the mouth and prevent the jaw joint from moving following surgery. Your doctor will attach bars to your upper and lower gums in the front and back of your mouth. These will hold the wires or elastics in place to keep your jaw shut.

Can you talk if you have a broken jaw?

You may be unable to open your jaw all the way or have problems speaking. There may notice swelling or bruising of the jaw. Your chin or lower lip may be numb because of damage to a nerve that runs through the mandible.