Post Reduction Investigations and Advice

Once the mandible has been relocated, the patient must have a repeat x-ray to confirm position and to exclude a fracture occurring on reduction.

Discharge advice must include:

• Eating a soft diet in the first few days to minimise stress on the TMJ
• Avoiding wide mouth opening for the next two weeks and supporting the mouth with the hand if yawning or laughing

An encircling bandage (Barton bandage) to support the mandible is usually unnecessary unless the patient is unable to understand or comply with discharge advice.

All patients should be followed up by a maxillofacial specialist.