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How long you stay in the hospital after open-heart surgery depends on what type of surgery you had and your needs. It may be as short as 3 to 4 days. If you have complications, you may stay in the hospital several weeks or longer.

With a tracheostomy, your healthcare provider makes a small hole (stoma) in your windpipe (trachea) through your neck. A tracheostomy tube (trach tube) is then placed into the stoma. Air goes into and out of your lungs through the tube. Here are answers to some common questions that people often ask about tracheostomy.

The sphincter of Oddi is part of your digestive system. A sphincter is a circle of muscle. The sphincter of Oddi surrounds the end of the tubes (ducts) that connect the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The sphincter opens to let digestive juices flow through the ducts from the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas into the small intestine. To prevent the juices from leaking back into the ducts, the sphincter squeezes shut.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for an artificial tooth (prosthesis). Abutments are connecting pieces that join the prosthesis to the implants.

Jaw (orthognathic) surgery is treatment that reshapes the jaws to improve their form and function.

Orthognathic surgery is a treatment that reshapes the jaw to improve its form and function. Before surgery, most people need to have orthodontic treatment to move and straighten the teeth.

A graft helps your body replace lost bone. Learn how a bone replacement graft works.

Your surgeon may advise removing wisdom teeth even if you have no symptoms. This is because wisdom teeth roots mature and become more firmly attached to the bone as you age, making removal more difficult.

You should visit the dental office every 6 months to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If problems are found, your dentist or dental hygienist will advise self-care and treatment.