TMJ Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for tmj surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
TMJ Management
- •TMJ disorders are often managed long-term, not cured
- •Consistent night guard use prevents damage from grinding
- •Stress management can significantly reduce symptoms
TMJ Surgery recovery, day by day
After Treatment
- If a night guard was fitted, wear it as directed, usually every night
- If injections were given, numbness will wear off in 1-3 hours
- Jaw may feel sore from the appointment itself
Immediate Relief
- Apply moist heat or ice to the jaw joint, whichever feels better
- Soft foods only for the rest of the day
- Avoid wide yawning or prolonged chewing
Jaw Rest & Exercises
- Perform prescribed jaw exercises 2-3 times daily
- Soft diet: avoid chewy, hard, or crunchy foods
- Avoid gum chewing, nail biting, and teeth clenching
- Practice keeping lips together, teeth apart during the day
- Apply heat or ice for 15-20 minutes as needed
Lifestyle
- Reduce stress, a common trigger for jaw clenching
- Avoid resting chin on your hand
- Sleep on your back or side, not face-down
- Wear night guard every night if provided
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Jaw locks in open or closed position
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Sudden inability to open mouth
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain with swelling
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Clicking/popping with intense pain, vs. mild clicking which is common
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Symptom Assessment
Note if jaw pain and clicking are improving
- Day 30
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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QR Rx sends this exact tmj surgery recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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