Schedule for loosening bands?

[hduggan]

So, my son has surgery on the 16th (top jaw only), but then doesn't see his oral surgeon again until January 4th. I know the bands are supposed to be progressively loosened after surgery, but who does that if he doesn't see his surgeon for 3 weeks?

[schwin]

That is odd. I had my lower jaw set back on Nov 29. I went to get xrays at the office on the Nov 30. I've already been back for two check ups since the 30th and another one on 12/17. I'm still wearing bands for 20 hours a day. I really really want to eat a Five Guys Burger.

[chicago29]

This is a red flag to me...I was seen weekly the first two weeks and then bi-weekly. It seems most surgeons want to see the patient at least 3 or 4 times during the "no chew" period of 4 to 6 weeks. There are a couple of "progress x-ray's" that should be done in that period as well.

I'd ask if this is because of the Holidays.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I wouldn't want to do the surgery during a period my surgeon was going to be gone. I specifically asked mine if he was around the first month post-op. You shouldn't need them for much, but it is good piece of mind if you do.

Also, the band schedule is all over the map and differs for each surgeon. Generally speaking, most people are banded shut from a few days up to 4 weeks, and then progressively loosened up over time. However, once again, each surgeon has their own preference on this.

-Chicago29

[hduggan]

Thanks, Chicago. I'll bring that up with them.

Our surgeon normally sees patients at the 2 week mark, but he's out of town that week, so he pushed it out a week.

I've requested that we come in for quick visit the week after surgery, and then a regular visit at the three week mark.