Ensuring his patients are well-informed and well-prepared before a procedure is very important to Dr. Gocke. That is why he spends so much time reviewing every detail of your surgery with you during your pre-op appointments. And it’s also why he and his team are sure to provide his corrective jaw surgery patients with recommendations on what types of foods they should have readily available after surgery. It may be surprising, but this is one of the most important things you can do to get ready for your big day. In this blog, we will discuss more about the corrective jaw surgery process and give you some suggestions on what types of foods will be safe to eat once you return home.
Reasons To Have Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery has many benefits! Not only will it restore functionality to the bite of Northern Virginia men and women, but many of Dr. Gocke’s patients experience newfound self-confidence and pride.
Corrective jaw surgery is complex, and it’s a procedure only experienced oral surgeons like Dr. Gocke are properly trained to perform. Northern Virginia patients might want or need corrective jaw surgery if they have:
- Misalignment of the teeth, jaw, or chin
- Intense symptoms of TMJ
- Cleft lip or palate that is causing reduced function and undesired cosmetic appearance
- Sleep apnea that is being caused by the structure of the jaw
The Corrective Jaw Surgery Process
During your consultation with Dr. Gocke, he will fully explain the process of your corrective jaw surgery, which includes advanced “virtual surgery” techniques. To make appropriate plans on how your new jaw will align, he will also coordinate with a biomedical engineer. After this, he will use the advanced technologies of a specialized manufacturer who will create physical guides and splints to customize your procedure and give you amazingly accurate results!
Because Dr. Gocke stays on top of the latest technologies in the dental world, most of his Northern Virginia corrective jaw surgery patients are not required to have their jaws wired shut while they heal. Instead, he will use tiny dental plates and screws that allow the jaw to heal properly, while still giving his patients the ability to speak and eat more normally as they recover. What an added benefit!
Corrective Jaw Surgery Dietary Guidelines
Because of the nature of this procedure, Dr. Gocke asks that each of his jaw surgery patients to be committed to healthy after-care practices once they’ve been released to return home. One of the most important aspects of the healing process includes following a diet of soft foods for six weeks, post-surgery. Dr. Gocke will provide you with detailed instructions on what you can and can’t eat, but in general, corrective jaw surgery patients should only eat soft foods such as:
- Soup
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Soft pie or cake
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Well-cooked and chopped pasta
- Soft, small bites of meat
- Smashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
You’ll notice that some of the recommended foods are typically consumed with a straw. However, Northern Virginia corrective jaw surgery patients should not use a straw during their recovery until Dr. Gocke has cleared them to do so. Instead, use a spoon for drinking liquids, or take small sips from a cup.
Stock Up On The Right Foods
If you have any other questions about the corrective jaw surgery process, or what foods you should be prepared to eat after your surgery, please don’t hesitate to call Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today. You can reach their Northern Virginia office at (703) 388-2805.
