Jaw Fracture Treatment
Accidents can occur unexpectedly, whether it’s a slip on a slippery sidewalk, a car accident, or a sports injury. In the event of an accident causing trauma to your jaw, one possible consequence is a fractured mandible, which is the lower jaw.
By identifying the symptoms and obtaining an accurate diagnosis, you can effectively address a mandibular fracture. This is certainly good news because you want the sole movable bone in your head to work properly, enabling you to eat, speak, sing, cheer, smile, and, in essence, savor life.
Symptoms of Mandibular Fractures
A fractured lower jaw can be intensely painful, especially when attempting to move it in various directions, such as back and forth or up and down. You may find it challenging to either close your mouth or open it wide. If you’ve suffered a jaw fracture, you might also observe the following:
- Bleeding from your nose or mouth.
- Bruising on your jaw or cheek.
- Swelling in your jaw or cheek area.
- Teeth that are chipped or loose, or a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when closing your mouth.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Pain when trying to chew food or speak.
- Limited ability to open or close your mouth.
- Ear discomfort.
- Numbness in your face, particularly in the lower lip region.
What does Broken jaw look like?
If you have a fractured jaw, you might observe the following indications:
- A noticeable lump on your jaw or cheek.
- Swelling
- Bruising.
How is a broken jaw diagnosed?
A medical professional will inquire about the cause of your jaw injury and perform a gentle examination. Additionally, they will request imaging studies, which may include:
- X-rays.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans to assess potential fractures in other facial bones or internal bleeding.
What’s the treatment for a broken jaw?
The treatment plan is contingent on the severity of the jaw fracture, whether it’s mild or more extensive, involving multiple fractures of the lower jawbone:
For mild fractures, your healthcare provider may recommend adhering to a liquid diet for a period of four to six weeks.
In the case of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves the placement of metal plates or bars in the affected area of the jaw to provide support and facilitate the healing process. Additionally, your surgeon may utilize wires or elastics to keep your jaw closed, aiding in the healing process.
How long does broken jaw recovery take?
Recovery from a broken jaw can be a lengthy process, even if surgery was not required for its repair. During the healing period, you may need to:
- Follow a liquid diet, sipping fluids through a straw if surgery was necessary. You may not be able to brush your teeth and might need to use a dental rinse. If surgery wasn’t needed, you may be limited to a soft-food-only diet.
Apply ice packs to your jaw to help reduce swelling.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and swelling.
- If your jaw is wired shut, it’s important to have a wire cutter on hand in case you feel nauseous or need to remove something you’re choking on.
- To prevent jaw movement, support your chin with your fist or hand when yawning or sneezing.