How Long Until My Jaw Is Fully Healed After Surgery?

How Long Until My Jaw Is Fully Healed After Surgery?

Understanding the different stages of healing helps set expectations. Here is the complete healing timeline.

Complete healing after orthognathic surgery happens in stages and takes up to 12 months. Here is what each stage looks like:

• Stage 1: Soft tissue healing (0–4 weeks)
• The gum incisions close within 2–3 weeks
• Stitches dissolve by 4–8 weeks
• The soft tissue is healed but the bone is still vulnerable

• Stage 2: Early bone healing (4–12 weeks)
• The bone begins to knit together
• New bone tissue forms around the cuts
• By 6 weeks, the jaw is stable enough for light chewing
• By 8 weeks, the bone is moderately strong

• Stage 3: Mature bone healing (3–6 months)
• The bone continues to remodel and strengthen
• By 4 months, the bone is substantially healed
• Most patients can eat a normal diet by this point

• Stage 4: Full bone healing (6–12 months)
• The bone reaches its full strength
• The remodeling process is complete
• By 12 months, the bone is as strong as it will ever be

• Signs of healing:
• Pain decreases steadily
• Swelling resolves
• Feeling returns to numb areas
• You can chew with increasing force
• X-rays show bone healing

Clinical Guidance

Soft tissue heals in 2–4 weeks. Bone healing takes 6–12 months. Most patients feel fully recovered by 3–6 months, but the bone continues to strengthen for up to a year. Follow your surgeon's dietary and activity guidelines throughout this period.