“How long do you take antibiotics after jaw surgery?”

Usually 7-10 days

Everyone is different and every infection needs a certain type of antibiotic treatment and length of time may vary. Generally speaking is from 5 to 10 days for most dental infections

Antibiotics: Continue until the bottle is empty. Do not quit halfway. Pain Medicine: Usually it is necessary to take opioid (narcotic) pain medication in a scheduled fashion (every 4 hours) for the first 24 hours and as needed thereafter. Remember that narcotics can make you drowsy, so no driving, swimming, operating machinery, or drinking alcoholic beverages while you are taking them. You may wean yourself off the opioid medication and substitute with 500 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol®). If directed to do so, you may also use ibuprofen, 600 mg every 6 hours while awake, for the first 4 or 5 days. Peridex™ (chlorhexidine) mouth rinse: Use twice daily for 2 weeks after surgery.