Injuries and accidents can significantly impact your oral health and appearance, especially when they result in a broken jaw.
These dental emergencies often cause physical pain and emotional stress, and proper treatment requires skilled expertise focused on long-term function and aesthetics. At Washington Dental, our team provides emergency care, acute treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation for patients experiencing jaw injuries in Carson, CA. When your dental health is at risk, we work quickly to ensure you receive timely, effective care.
Defining A Broken Jaw
A fractured jaw is an injury to the mandible, one of the most common types of facial fractures. The mandible is the largest bone in the lower face and connects to the skull at the temporomandibular joints. These joints allow jaw movement, supported by muscles and ligaments. When the jawbone shifts out of place, it is known as a dislocation.
A fractured jaw can affect your ability to speak, breathe, and eat. Without treatment, the jaw may not heal correctly, leading to long-term functional and cosmetic problems. These injuries are typically caused by trauma or direct force to the jaw.
- Assault: Blunt impact to the face.
- Traffic-related accidents: Injuries from vehicle collisions.
- Sports-related injury: Impacts during athletic activities.
- Workplace accidents: Injuries in industrial or hazardous environments.
- Falls: Impact from tripping or falling.
- After a dental or medical procedure: Jaw strain or unexpected injury.
How To Tell If You Have A Fractured Jaw
Common symptoms include:
- Facial swelling: Stiffness and discomfort around the jaw.
- Pain: Worsening when chewing or speaking.
- Bleeding in the mouth: May cause breathing difficulty if airflow is blocked.
- Tenderness: Pain when touching or moving the jaw.
- Bruising and numbness: Loss of sensation around the face.
- Dental-related symptoms: Loose teeth or gum numbness.
- Limited jaw movement: Difficulty or inability to open the mouth.
- Facial asymmetry: Changes in appearance due to shifting bone.
Complications Of A Broken Jaw
Potential complications include:
- Bleeding: Internal or external.
- Difficulty eating: Limited ability to chew.
- Airway blockage: Obstructed breathing.
- Aspiration: Food or blood entering the lungs.
- Infection: Bacterial issues in the face or jaw.
- Speaking challenges: Trouble forming words.
- Partial numbness: Reduced sensation in the jaw or face.
- Jaw joint pain: TMJ discomfort.
- Swelling: Persistent inflammation.
- Teeth misalignment: Shifts in bite.
How To Administer First Aid For A Broken Jaw
A broken jaw requires emergency care. Contact emergency services immediately if symptoms are severe.
- The patient is not breathing or unresponsive: Immediate action is essential.
- Heavy bleeding is present: Requires urgent attention.
- Movement causes pain: Indicates a significant injury.
- The jaw appears deformed: Visible displacement.
- Bone is protruding through the skin: Open fracture.
- Head, back, or neck fracture is suspected: Do not move the patient.
- Start CPR: If the patient is unresponsive.
- Manage bleeding: Have the patient spit blood into a cloth.
- Apply ice: Reduce swelling with a wrapped ice pack.
- Apply pressure: Control bleeding with clean cloth or bandage.
- Support the jaw: Use a sling-style cloth without tightening it too much.
- Do not realign the jaw: Avoid moving the bones.
- Remove the sling if vomiting occurs: Prevent choking.
- Retrieve broken teeth: Store in milk or water.
- Immobilize the head: Limit movement.
- Lay the patient flat with legs elevated: If faint or short of breath.
How A Broken Jaw Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging. Your dentist will:
- Inspect the face for swelling and deformity.
- Examine the TMJ for nerve or vascular issues.
- Assess jaw movement and alignment.
- Conduct an intraoral exam to evaluate bite.
- Use a tongue blade test to assess stability.
- Take panoramic x-rays to identify fractures.
- Order a CT scan if x-rays are inconclusive.
Treatment For Your Broken Jaw
Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Some clean breaks heal with immobilization, while others require surgery.
Wiring The Broken Jaw
Wiring or bandaging may be necessary to stabilize the jaw during healing. Elastics and wires keep the jaw closed and help guide the bite. Patients must carry wire cutters or scissors during recovery in case of choking or vomiting. After wiring, jaw movement is restricted for up to six weeks, and a liquid diet is required.
Preventing A Broken Jaw
Prevention strategies include:
- Wearing a helmet when riding bikes or motorcycles.
- Using a seatbelt in vehicles.
- Wearing a mouthguard and face mask during contact sports.
- Using protective headgear at work when necessary.
Post-Operative Instructions After Broken Jaw Surgery
Following post-operative care instructions helps reduce complications and supports healing.
Your dentist may prescribe liquid pain medication, antibiotics, or medicated mouthwash. Follow all dosing instructions carefully. Increased pain and swelling after the first week may indicate infection and require immediate attention.
Common post-operative symptoms include throat soreness, nasal congestion, bleeding, and swelling.
- Throat: Soreness may occur for several days.
- Bleeding: Report excessive bleeding to your dentist.
- Oral hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush starting the next day. Avoid brushing incision areas. Use saline rinses regularly and avoid disturbing surgical sites.
- Mouthwash: Use prescribed antibacterial rinse as directed.
- Water pik: Begin using after seven days unless instructed otherwise.
Dryness and cracking are common. Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly frequently.
A nutritious liquid diet is essential while the jaw is immobilized. Patients should consume at least four liters of fluids daily. Nutrient-rich drinks, blended meals, and soft foods can support healing. Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery.
If elastics break, your dentist will replace them. Do not panic if some elastics loosen unless you can open the jaw widely.
Always carry scissors or a knife in case emergency removal of elastics is required.
Avoid foods that upset your stomach. Vomiting usually does not require elastic removal.
A splint may be used to guide bite alignment. It should be worn continuously for the first two weeks, then primarily at night until comfortable bite function returns.
Avoid strenuous activity for eight weeks to limit bleeding and dizziness. Keep the head elevated.
Swelling can last up to three weeks. Reduce it by:
- Applying ice during the first week.
- Wearing a compression bandage.
- Using moist heat after the first week.
- Sleeping with the head elevated.
Gradual jaw exercises begin after ten days. Finger-assisted stretching and guided movement help restore function between weeks four and eight. Your dentist will advise on appropriate mobility goals.
How A Dislocated Jaw Differs From A Broken Jaw
A dislocated jaw occurs when the jaw moves out of position at the TMJ. Symptoms include jaw pain, speech difficulty, bite changes, drooling, and inability to close the mouth. Treatment involves manual repositioning followed by supportive bandaging.
Find An Experienced Emergency Dentist Near Me
A broken jaw is a serious condition that requires urgent, specialized care. At Washington Dental, we provide emergency treatment designed to reduce pain, restore function, and protect your long-term oral health. Our dedicated team in Carson, CA, will diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that supports healing and improves your quality of life.