The Problem

Your lower jaw (mandible) has been broken. The number and location of fractures, as well as
whether surgical treatment is needed, have already been determined by your doctor. The
procedure will be performed under general anesthetic, meaning you will be fully asleep during
surgery.

What Does the Operation Involve?

• Once you are asleep, the fractures are accessed via a small incision inside your mouth.
• The broken bones are carefully repositioned and held in place with small metal plates and screws.
• The gum is stitched back with dissolvable stitches, which may take up to two weeks or longer to disappear.

During surgery, it is often necessary to place wires or metal braces around your teeth so that
elastic bands can later guide your bite into the correct position. Occasionally, screws in the
jawbone may be used instead of wires. Any elastic bands are usually attached the day after
surgery, allowing your jaws to move freely immediately after the operation.

Additional Procedures During Surgery

• Sometimes damaged or decayed teeth near the fracture may need to be removed.
• In complex cases, an incision on the outside of the mouth may be required. If this is
  necessary, your surgeon will discuss the site and size of the cut with you before you sign
  your consent form.

What Can I Expect After the Operation?

• Some soreness is expected, and regular painkillers will be provided.
• Discomfort is usually greatest in the first few days but may take a couple of weeks to fully resolve.
• Antibiotics are given intravenously during your hospital stay and may continue at home to reduce infection risk.
• Hospital stay is usually one night, with X-rays taken the following day to check the fracture positions.

Even with plates and screws in place, complete healing takes around six weeks. During this
time:

• Eat a soft diet as advised by your medical team.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, especially around stitches. Gently rinse your mouth
  with mouthwash or warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water)
  starting the day after surgery.

If wires, braces, or screws were used to guide your bite, they will be removed in the outpatient
department once healing is sufficient.

Time Off Work

• Depending on your work, you may need around two weeks off and should avoid strenuous activity.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after general anaesthetic.

Possible Complications

• Infection: Uncommon due to antibiotic use.
• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is normal; if it occurs at home, apply pressure with a rolled-up handkerchief or swab for 10 minutes.
• Nerve injury: A nerve running through the center of the lower jaw provides sensation to your lower lip, chin, and teeth. It may already be bruised from the fracture or affected by surgery, causing tingling or numbness. This usually improves over several months.
• Adjacent teeth: Occasionally teeth near the fracture may be affected by screws.
• Plates and screws: Titanium plates and screws usually remain in place unless infection occurs. They are safe and do not trigger metal detectors.

Follow-Up Appointments

• A review appointment will be arranged before you leave the hospital.
• Additional check-ups will monitor your healing over several months to ensure your jaw recovers fully.