About this topic
A jaw fracture can be either a break in the upper or lower jaw bone. The upper jaw bone is called the maxilla. The lower jaw bone is called the mandible. ‚
What are the causes?
Many things can cause a broken jaw. Here are some examples: ‚
- Falling or landing on the chin or jaw
- Car, motorcycle, or bike crash
- Sports injury like football or soccer
- Blow to the jaw from fighting
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Playing contact sports
- Not wearing mouth guards or helmets during sports
- Being in a harmful relationship
- Older age
What are the main signs?
- Jaw pain
- Bruising or swelling of the jaw, chin, or lips
- Cut or bleeding from the jaw, chin, or lips
- Numbness of the chin or lower lip
- Jaw has moved out of its normal position. You may not be able to open or close your mouth.
- Trouble chewing food or swallowing
- Trouble talking
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will look at your face and jaw and ask you what happened. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment will depend on the type of break and how much damage there is. Mild jaw breaks will heal on their own. Very bad breaks need other care. This might include: ‚
- Cleaning open wounds and removing any loose objects from the wound
- Ice to lessen pain and swelling
- Liquid food until you have healed
- Short-term bandage that goes under the jaw and around the top and back of the head
- Surgery to bring the bones back into position. The doctor might put in splints, wires, bands, plates, and screws to hold your jaw in place.
- Sometimes, the teeth must be wired together for up to 6 weeks to keep the jaw from moving so it can heal.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Treat upset stomach and throwing up
Your doctor may give you a tetanus shot if there is a break in the skin and you have not had this shot in the past 5 to 10 years. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Make sure children are using car seats or seatbelts.
- Use protective headgear like helmets or mouthguards when playing sports.
- Do not dive into water unless you know how deep it is.
- Make sure infants or small child are never left alone on a changing table, bed, or on top of a counter.
- Stay away from harmful relationships. There are many people and agencies that can help if someone is hurting you. Ask your doctor for more information on this.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ‚
http://www.aaoms.org/facial_injury.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚