A broken jaw, or jaw fracture, involves a break or crack in the bones of the jaw. This injury can affect the mandible (lower jawbone) or the maxilla (upper jawbone). A fractured jaw is a significant injury that can interfere with speaking, eating, and breathing, requiring prompt medical attention.
Recognizing a Broken Jaw and Initial Steps
Identifying a broken jaw typically involves noticeable symptoms after facial trauma. These include pain in the face or jaw that worsens with movement, and swelling or bruising around the jaw or cheek. Other signs include a change in how your teeth fit together (malocclusion), difficulty opening your mouth widely, bleeding from the mouth, loose or chipped teeth, or numbness in the lower lip or chin due to nerve damage.
If a broken jaw is suspected, immediate actions can help stabilize the injury before professional medical help arrives. Gently supporting the jaw with your hands prevents unnecessary movement. A bandage or cloth can be used to carefully tie the jaw closed. Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Seek emergency medical attention promptly. A broken jaw can sometimes affect breathing, especially if swelling is severe or the tongue loses support. Medical professionals can thoroughly assess the injury and provide appropriate care.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a broken jaw involves a physical examination and imaging tests. A healthcare provider will inspect the face for visible deformities, bruising, or swelling, and check the jaw’s movement and teeth alignment. To confirm the fracture and determine its extent, X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan are performed. A CT scan can also help identify other facial bone fractures or internal bleeding.
Treatment approaches for a broken jaw vary depending on the fracture’s location, type, and severity. For minor fractures that are not significantly displaced, non-surgical methods may be suitable. One common non-surgical technique involves maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), often called wiring the jaw shut. This procedure uses wires, elastic bands, or metal splints to bind the lower jaw to the stable upper jaw, keeping it still while the bone heals.
MMF aims to restore the natural alignment of the teeth, guiding proper bone reduction. This method allows for indirect bone healing. The wires or elastic bands are typically kept in place for 4 to 8 weeks to ensure stability during the initial healing phase.
For more severe or displaced fractures, surgical intervention is necessary. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common surgical technique. During ORIF, broken bone fragments are surgically realigned and secured with small metal plates and screws. These plates and screws hold the bone in the correct position, promoting direct bone healing.
Surgical methods using plates and screws can allow for earlier jaw movement compared to wiring. In some cases, interosseous wiring, involving wiring bone fragments together, may supplement fixation. The choice between non-surgical and surgical methods depends on factors like the fracture’s stability, associated injuries, and the patient’s overall health.
Life During Recovery
The recovery period after a broken jaw requires careful management for proper healing and function restoration. Dietary modifications are necessary, especially if the jaw is wired shut. A liquid or blenderized diet is required during the initial weeks, consisting of foods thin enough for consumption through a straw or syringe. As healing progresses, patients can gradually transition to a soft diet before resuming a normal diet.
Pain management is important during recovery, with healthcare providers prescribing medications to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. Maintaining oral hygiene is also important, particularly when the jaw is immobilized. Patients are instructed on how to clean their teeth and mouth using special rinses, soft toothbrushes, or water flossers to prevent infection.
Activity restrictions protect the healing jaw. Patients are advised to avoid putting pressure on the jaw and to refrain from strenuous activities or contact sports until cleared by their doctor. The healing timeline for a broken jaw ranges from a few weeks for minor fractures treated conservatively to several months for more complex fractures requiring surgery.
Physical therapy plays a role in the later stages of recovery, helping restore the jaw’s normal movement and strength. Exercises may be prescribed to improve jaw mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and regain full function. Consistent follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are important to monitor healing progress and address any potential complications.