Metal Mouth Message Board

I had surgery August 6th so its been about 5.5 months. Everything seems to be healed up great by now. Few questions though, on average how long does it take for the bones to heal, after 5.5 months do you think my bones are pretty well healed? (for 19 year old male) also, and this probably is a really stupid question, but are the screws in there for good, or if I take a hit to the face or something like that can they get dislodged? I was told its possible to have them removed after a period of time, but as long as I know there not going anywhere then I dont think thats necessary.

I still have some minor swelling, but its hardly noticeable. from what Ive heard it can last 6 months to a year post op. My cheek muscles are still kind of stiff from wearing the rubber bands. My orthodontist has been really pushing the rubber band treatment because Im trying to get out of braces asap. Good news is I am set to get the braces off February 7th, and I leave for Marine Corps Boot Camp February 8th. I figure all the screaming and sounding off will get my face muscles loosened up back to normal.

As long as Im asking stupid questions I will ask one more....We had a thunderstorm the other day and it got me thinking...should I be a little more careful of being outside in thunderstorms now that I have metal in my face?

Hey, sorry I don't know the answers to your questions but just wanted to say I remember you posting back in the summer (my bf was expecting to have surgery at same time but it was delayed til this week!) and I'm glad you're doing well :)

well on average a typical fracture takes about 4-6 weeks to heal enough before you are allowed to bear weight. While you are allowed to bear weight, it takes about a full year for the bones to completely heal. I think to some extent the jaw is the same way.

The difference with the jaw is some have rigid fixation such as screws and plates. This will help protect the sites where the surgeon made the cuts into bone. I have heard of rare cases where screws are (or can be) removed but for the most part, they are left in for good. Think of it as extra protection. I was told to avoid contact sports or getting hit in the face for at least 6 months post op.

As for the thunderstorm, braces should not increases your chances of being struck by lightening. The metal is fairly negligible when compared to say standing next to a tree during a thunderstorm. The lightening will most likely go for the tree. Now if you are out in the open by yourself during a storm, you might want to seek shelter. Not because of the metal, but more so that anyone can get struck

Hope this helps

Sounds good, thanks. Ya I think I should be fine then. 6 months post op will be January 6th,2009 and I wont begin to see any facial contact untill at the earilest February, and even then I will have protection. I have heard of athletes breaking there jaw and have similar surgery as Orthognatic surgery and were back much earlier. Actually most recently Anquan Boldin for the Cardinals broke his jaw on this hit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zvllmyi ... re=related he was playing again 3 weeks post op.