Can Infection Occur After Jaw Surgery?

Can Infection Occur After Jaw Surgery?

Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure. Here is what to know about infection after orthognathic surgery.

Infection after orthognathic surgery is uncommon (2–5% of cases) because it is performed through clean surgical technique and antibiotics are typically given.

• Why infection risk is relatively low:
• The mouth has excellent blood supply (helps fight infection)
• You are given antibiotics during and sometimes after surgery
• The surgical plan avoids contamination of deep tissues
• Most incisions heal well within 2–3 weeks

• Signs of infection to watch for:
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Increasing pain after day 3–4 (pain should be decreasing)
• Redness, warmth, or swelling that worsens after day 3
• Pus draining from the incision or around the plates
• Foul taste or smell in your mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth that worsens

• What to do if you suspect infection:
• Call your surgeon immediately
• They may prescribe antibiotics
• In rare cases, they may need to drain the infection
• Do not try to treat it yourself

How Infection Is Treated

• Most infections are treated with oral antibiotics
• If an abscess forms, it may need to be drained
• In rare cases where the hardware (plates/screws) is involved, it may need to be removed after the bone has healed

Clinical Guidance

Infection after jaw surgery is uncommon. Know the signs (worsening pain, fever, pus) and call your surgeon if you suspect an infection. Most infections are easily treated with antibiotics.