Day 17 (July 2, 2012) - Bottom Jaw Unwired

Brian had his bottom jaw unwired after 17 days.  The splint remained in place on the upper jaw - this will be removed Wednesday, July 18th.

When Brian's jaw was unwired, he was very sore.  The splint has a lip on it that prevents Brian from closing his mouth unless he pushes his bottom jaw forward about an inch.  His lower jaw was wired in this position, so this explains the soreness.

With the bottom jaw unwired, Brian has moved on to a soft diet - pasta, oatmeal and anything he can swallow whole.  The splint prevents chewing.

The swelling is almost completely gone and already Brian and I can see difference.  Even with the splint inside his mouth, one can see the back part of the roof of Brian's mouth and it is much wider.  Amazing!