Hi
I had surgery on my lower jaw on the 13th December. Basically had my jaw brought forward 7mm and then a plate and screws in to hold it. After 1 week post op that is where I believe the infection started but it wasn't until 2 weeks post op that the surgeons really knew it was. So 2 weeks post op I got admitted back into the hospital for 3 days iv antibiotics then I had 5 days oral antibiotics. I still feel that the infection is there, and was wondering what are the chances that it is my plate that is infected ? If another course of antibiotics doesn't clear the infection could I be looking at a plate infection?
Thankyou
Based on what I've read, most infection clear within one or two course of antibiotics. Very few people actually have to have the plates taken out - but it does happen. Best of luck on your treatment.
Were you taking antibiotics when you initially got the infection?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed then!
No I didn't have antibiotics at the start of it because when I phoned the hospital and described it they said it was probably draining and to watch how it was, then it was Christmas , so I phoned them back on the Friday.
I had a few troubles with antibiotics in the hospital because of allergies the 3 days iv antibiotics were all different ones looking for one I didn't have an allergy to. Then the oral antibiotics I had to come home were completely different again.
Thanks for the reply
I see. My surgeon gives his patients a 1-week supply of oral anibiotics to take after the surgery. I think many surgeons do that to prevent infection. In addition to the antibiotics, doing the peridex and salt water mouth rinses should also help keep your mouth clean. Keep us updated on your progress. =)
The infection seemed to clear nicely after the antibiotics and everything healed very well. I did however start getting repeated throat all year, which I never had a problem with before this surgery.
The past 2-3 months I have started getting pain in my jaw only on the one side. ( The side of the original infection) . I spoke to my orthodontist in July who said that I had some swelling but he did not seem concerned, even though I was 7 months post op.
Now I am 8 months post op, and the pain gets worst and now better. It seems to be right under my jawline around the area where they did the surgery.
Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it normal to still have so much pain 8 months after the surgery.
I've had an abscess before deep in my gums, and it wasn't subtle. In a matter of a few days, it didn't hurt, but my cheeks swelled like a chipmunk stuffed with food. (My dentist just about had a heart attack when he saw me; turns out swelling that bad can become fatal if the abscess bursts.)
If you have dramatic swelling, see a dentist/ortho/your surgeon, somebody, ASAP. A little bit of swelling is not unheard of, even this far out. As far as the pain goes? Is it your TMJ that hurts, or the surgical site?
