The Problem
Your upper jaw (maxilla) has been fractured. The number and location of the fractures, as well as whether surgical treatment is required, have already been determined by your doctor. The procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be fully asleep during surgery.
What Does the Operation Involve?
- Once you are asleep, the fractures are accessed through a small incision inside your mouth, above your upper teeth.
- The broken bones are carefully realigned 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 the same operation, it may be necessary to place wires or metal braces around your teeth so that elastic bands can guide your bite into the correct position. Occasionally, screws in the jawbone may be used instead of wires or braces. Any elastic bands are usually applied the day after surgery, allowing your jaws to move freely immediately after the operation.
Additional Procedures During Surgery
- Sometimes damaged or decayed teeth in and around the fracture site may need to be removed.
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.
- Numbness: Your upper lip may feel numb or tingly, similar to after a dental injection. This usually improves over several weeks.
- 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.
