Mandible Fracture Post-Operative Instructions
Surgery to repair a fractured lower jaw (mandible) is performed to restore proper alignment, function, and healing of the jaw. Careful post-operative management is essential to prevent infection, promote bone healing, and avoid complications.
Please read and follow the instructions below carefully.
Antibiotics
After discharge from the office or hospital, you will be prescribed antibiotics, typically in liquid form or tablets that may be crushed and mixed with liquid. It is very important that these medications are taken exactly as prescribed.
The oral cavity contains a high concentration of bacteria, and antibiotics are essential to prevent infection of the fracture site. In most cases, antibiotics are taken for approximately 7 days.
If you notice yellow or green drainage from the fracture site, you must contact the office or oral surgery staff on the next business day for evaluation and possible adjustment of antibiotics. Failure to do so can lead to serious—and potentially life-threatening—complications.
Pain Control
Most patients require prescription pain medication for the first 7 days following mandible fracture surgery. These medications are often provided in liquid form. Pain should gradually improve with time.
Severe pain lasting longer than seven days may indicate a complication and requires evaluation by the oral surgery team. It is also common for patients to experience ongoing discomfort or muscle soreness during the 6–8 weeks of fixation, often related to muscle spasm or fatigue.
If pain becomes severe or worsens instead of improving, contact the office promptly.
Swelling
Swelling is expected after jaw fracture surgery. In some cases, steroid medication may be prescribed to help reduce facial swelling.
Swelling typically:
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Peaks around days 3–4
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Gradually improves thereafter
If swelling has not begun to decrease after 6–7 days, or if it becomes increasingly painful, warm, or tender, you should return to the office for evaluation.
Numbness
Numbness of the lip, chin, or lower face may occur after surgery. In many cases, this numbness is related to the original injury rather than the surgical repair itself.
Nerve recovery can be slow and may evolve over time into sensations such as pins and needles, burning, or itching. These changes should be reported at your follow-up visits. In some cases, numbness may be permanent.
Diet and Nutrition
Maintaining proper nutrition is critical for healing.
You must remain on a liquid or soft diet following mandible fracture surgery. The plates and screws used to stabilize the fracture are not designed to withstand normal chewing forces.
Patients should consume at least 1,500–2,000 calories per day. This can be achieved with nutritional supplements such as Ensure, Boost, SlimFast, protein shakes, and blended foods.
A soft diet—if permitted—means foods no firmer than mashed potatoes, including eggs, soft pasta, pudding, yogurt, and pureed foods. Poor caloric intake weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infection and delayed healing.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential and brushing your teeth is required, even after surgery. Poor oral hygiene significantly increases the risk of infection and non-healing fractures.
You will be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse to use twice daily. Do not overuse this rinse, as excessive use may stain the teeth.
Wound Care
For incisions inside the mouth, rinse gently with normal saline four times daily. If you have skin sutures, keep them moist and free of scabbing for 5–7 days using bacitracin or antibiotic ointment. Failure to properly care for skin incisions may result in noticeable scarring.
Wires and Elastics
In most cases, wires and/or elastics are used to stabilize the jaw for 6–8 weeks. These must remain intact and tight for proper healing.
If wires or elastics break, loosen, or come off, you must be seen on the next business day for replacement. Failure to do so may result in improper healing, persistent fracture movement, or infection.
External Fixation (If Applicable)
Some fractures require an external fixation device. These devices require daily care, including:
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Cleaning around the pins
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Applying antibiotic ointment to the skin
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Maintaining a full liquid diet
If the device becomes loose in any way, contact the office immediately. Failure of the fixation device can result in fracture instability and improper healing.
Follow-Up Appointments
A follow-up visit is required approximately one week after surgery, with additional appointments typically scheduled at weekly intervals. Attending all follow-up visits is critical for monitoring healing and preventing complications.
Failure to attend follow-up appointments may result in avoidable problems and delayed recovery.
Final Notes
Healing from a jaw fracture requires patience, compliance, and careful attention to instructions. If symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or you have concerns at any point, contact our office promptly. Our goal is to ensure safe healing and the best possible outcome.
