4 Basic TMD Surgery Recovery Tips that Will Save You Stress

If you have temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD, you may experience pain and discomfort from small things like chewing gum, chewing food, or even opening your mouth to yawn. Although Dr. Leslie H. Sultan likes to treat TMD with non-invasive treatment options like massage, heat, and the avoidance of hard-to-chew foods, sometimes those solutions simply aren’t enough. Luckily, with a variety of TMD surgical options, you can restore your jaw and comfort level once again. If you are either considering getting TMD surgery or if you already have your surgery scheduled, it’s important to know what you can expect from recovery. To make your recovery go a lot smoother, we have created a list of small things you can do before surgery. Read on to learn more.

1. Have Prescriptions Filled

If you contact our office before your surgery, we will most likely be able to send your prescriptions to the pharmacy so that you can have them filled. This will take the stress of having to pick up your prescriptions after surgery off of your plate.

2. Stock Up on Meal Shakes

Depending on the type of TMD surgery you undergo, your mouth may be wired shut for a little while you are in recovery. To make sure that your body is getting all of the nutrition it needs, consider stocking up on meal shakes beforehand. Not only are meal shakes packed with vitamins, minerals, and calories, but they also come in yummy flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

3. Pile On the Pillows

You are going to be spending the majority of your recovery either in bed or on the couch. To help with pain and inflammation following your surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head propped up. Before you go into surgery, get your couch or bed set-up with tons of pillows.

4. Schedule a Ride Home

For a day or two following your TMD surgery, you won’t be able to do much of anything let alone drive yourself home from our office. That’s why we encourage all of our patients to ask a friend or family member for a ride home after surgery. If you don’t have someone who can give you a ride, we can schedule one for you.

Make your life easier after surgery by following the tips listed above. To learn more about TMD surgery or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Leslie H. Sultan today!