Does Jaw Surgery Hurt After 1 Week?
The first week is the most intense part of recovery. Here is what pain levels are like after seven days.
By day 7 after orthognathic surgery, most patients experience significantly less pain. Here is a typical timeline.
- Days 1β3 (peak discomfort):
- Moderate to significant pain
- Prescription pain medication needed
- Most uncomfortable period
- Days 4β7 (rapid improvement):
- Pain decreases significantly each day
- Many patients switch to over-the-counter pain relievers by day 4β5
- Discomfort shifts from "pain" to "soreness"
- Swelling starts to decrease, reducing pressure-related pain
- After 1 week:
- Most patients describe the pain as mild or a dull ache
- Over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) is usually sufficient
- Some discomfort from elastics and the splint (if used)
- Pain when trying to eat or during oral hygiene is normal
- Factors that affect pain at 1 week:
- Type of surgery (double jaw > single jaw)
- Individual pain tolerance
- How well you follow the medication schedule
- Use of ice packs (significantly reduces pain)
- Whether you are resting enough
When Pain Persists
- If you still have significant pain after 1 week, contact your surgeon. Persistent severe pain can be a sign of:
- Infection
- A problem with the bone or hardware
- Improper elastic placement
Clinical Guidance
By day 7 after jaw surgery, most patients have transitioned from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter options. A week of significant discomfort is normal, but you should see clear improvement each day.