If your dentist has decided that you need corrective jaw surgery, you may be apprehensive. This feeling is normal. While you may be excited about fixing problems with your jaw, the process of fixing it can seem overwhelming.

You may even find it a bit scary. Preparing for your recovery can make the process a lot easier. Here are some things you can do to make sure you have a smooth recovery.

Prepare Food Ahead of Time

One of the things you are likely to find out when you have your surgery is that you will not be able to eat the same types of food that you normally would. This means that you have to either eat foods that are very soft or drink a lot of liquids. Deciding on your post-surgery diet ahead of time can be very beneficial for you.

Appliances such as blenders, juicers, and food processors make it easier to prepare liquid and soft meals. If you don't already have these appliances, consider making a purchase.

Pause Medication and Supplements

If you are taking medications, you will need to discuss these with your surgeon before you have your surgery. There are some medications that you will need to stop taking ahead of surgery so that you minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. 

Not all medications have to be stopped before surgery. This is why you need to be transparent with your surgeon about exactly what type of medications you are taking.

You may also have to stop some of the herbal supplements that you are taking ahead of your surgery. Again, it helps to be transparent with your surgeon and let them know which supplements you take regularly so that they can tell you whether you should stop taking them ahead of surgery.

Good Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is something that you should practice all the time. However, it is especially critical when you are about to have jaw surgery. The better your dental hygiene is and the healthier your gums and teeth are, the less chance that there will be complications from your jaw surgery.

Taking the time to prepare adequately for your recovery from corrective jaw surgery is essential. Preparing means that once the surgery is finished, you will only need to focus on relaxing and healing.

Contact your dentist or an orthognathic surgeon to learn more about corrective jaw surgery.