What do doctors do for a fractured jaw?

What do doctors do for a fractured jaw?

Many mandible fractures are stable, and the only treatment required is wiring the upper and lower teeth together. This will most commonly be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. More unstable fractures often require surgery.

Do all jaw fractures need surgery?

Depending on the extent of the break, treatment for a jaw fracture may require surgery. Clean breaks may heal on their own while your jaw is immobilized, while multiple fractures will likely require surgical repair.

What happens if a broken jaw goes untreated?

It is important not to leave broken bones untreated as this may well result in difficulty with eating and drinking. Factures of any bones in the jaw will alter the way your mouth opens and closes, treatment will prevent risk of infections, dental decay and long term conditions such as arthritis.

How long does it take for a mandibular fracture to heal?

Treatment and recovery can require up to four to six weeks for your fracture to heal. During this time, you’ll typically receive prescriptions or advice to take: Anti-inflammatory medications to increase your comfort and aid in your healing. Antibiotics to prevent an infection of the bone.

How serious is a fractured jaw?

The TMJ can break, crack, or become unhinged from the skull. The unhinging of the jaw joint is known as a dislocation. A broken, fractured, or dislocated jaw can create problems with eating and breathing. Immediate medical attention is necessary to minimize complications and accelerate healing.

What does a fractured jaw bone feel like?

Symptoms of a broken jaw include: Pain in the face or jaw, located in front of the ear or on the affected side, that gets worse with movement. Bruising and swelling of the face, bleeding from the mouth. Difficulty chewing.

How do you treat a broken jaw at home?

What can I do to manage a jaw fracture?

1. Apply ice. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
2. Eat soft or blenderized foods as directed.
3. Clean your mouth 4 to 6 times each day.
4. Do not play sports while your jaw heals.
5. Do not put pressure on your jaw.

Can you live with a broken jaw?

The outlook is very good for most people who experience a broken or dislocated jaw. Dislocation and nonsurgical factures heal in four to eight weeks, whereas recovery from a surgical fracture could take up to several months. In most cases, the jaw heals successfully and there are few long-term effects.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken jaw?

What are the long term effects of a broken jaw?

In most cases, the jaw heals successfully and there are few long-term effects. However, you’re more likely to have recurring joint pain in your jaw after your injury. This is a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, which is also referred to as TMJ disorder.

Can a jaw fracture heal on its own?

Treatment for a fractured jaw depends on how badly the bone is broken. If you have a minor fracture, it can heal on its own. You may only need pain medicines. You will probably have to eat soft foods or stay on a liquid diet for a while.

What to do if you have a fracture in your lower jaw?

Your lower jaw has been fractured. You surgeon will examine you and establish the number of fractures and what treatment you will require to correct the problem. The treatment you will undergo will require a general anaesthetic. Once you have been put under the general anaesthetic, the fracture sites will be opened up.

What kind of Medicine DO YOU take for a broken jaw?

Pain medicines may be given or suggested by your healthcare provider. Antibiotics may be given if you have an open wound. Antibiotic medicine is used to prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria. Jaw wiring may be used to hold your jaw in place and keep it from moving.

How long does it take for a fractured jaw to heal?

A more severe fracture, though, may require your jaw to stay wired shut for the time being to keep the jaw closed and preserve your bite. Expect at least six weeks recovery time for a fractured jaw.

How is a dislocated jaw supposed to be treated?

This can be by manually holding the jaw in place or using a bandage around the head and under the jaw. The treatments for broken and dislocated jaws are different. Treating a broken jaw will depend on the severity of the injury. Minor fractures often heal on their own, without the need for medical intervention.

Will a fractured jaw heal on its own?

A broken jaw is best not left to heal on its own. Leaving a broken jaw untreated leads to medical complications. It may get infected and very painful. Hairline fractures may not require a lot of medical attention. It is important to get medical attention for a broken jaw even if it is a minor jaw fracture.

How long does it take for a jaw fracture to heal?

The average healing time for a broken jaw is six weeks. If the fractured segments of the jaw are properly aligned and undisturbed during healing, the jaw should heal and be as strong as in was before the fracture occurred.

How is a minor jaw fracture treated?

How is a jaw fracture treated? Pain medicines may be given or suggested by your healthcare provider. Antibiotics may be given if you have an open wound. Jaw wiring may be used to hold your jaw in place and keep it from moving. Surgery may be needed to return the jawbone to its normal position if the fracture is severe.

Can you speak with a broken jaw?

A jaw is very strong, and it would take serious trauma to get a broken jaw. The jaw is a “high-impact” fracture area, requiring at least 70g’s of force to break it. If it is broken, you can still talk, though chewing and biting down will certainly feel different; the jaw can tell if your bite is off even by millimeters.