In preparation for the surgery, Brian has seen a few doctors. His cardiologist gave him a stress test - Brian has a heart murmur and it's better to be safe. The orthodontist made a mold of Brian's mouth and did a bite registration. Then our surgeon's orthodontist took final x-rays, a surgical model, another bite registration and measured Brian for the surgical splint.
The splint was curious to me because my impression of a splint is two sticks tied to a broken leg. I just couldn't figure out where the sticks would go on Brian's face. =) It turns out, Brian's splint is similar to a mouth piece or a mouth guard. It seems easy enough, but how long would he have to wear this splint? Well, the splint will be wired into Brian's mouth for the entire time his jaw is wired shut.
My first thoughts are to Brian's breathing - Brian typically breathes through his mouth. With the deviated septum and his jaw wired shut, I had to raise my concern for his breathing with a splint in his mouth as well. The surgical orthodontist, smiled and laughed a little and then simply told me that they prefer their patients to live. This orthodontist is wonderful, and believe it or not, that is exactly what I needed to hear. They will ensure Brian has an airway to breathe through.
Reading through doublejawsurgery.com though, I see normal breathing is a common complaint with jaw surgery patients and the splint is not a favorite. However, Brian will get through it and these things are manageable. It is important to keep your eye on the end result...the goal. Things will come up and then they will pass.
Only two appointments are left - touring Phoenix Children's Hospital and the pre-op appointment with the surgeon on June 6th. For today, it is Memorial Day and our family will be going over to my sister's house to swim and grill.
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