Jaw Fractures refers to fractures in and around the jawbone. These physical problems happen mostly by traumas after accidents and injuries. It affects the mandible or lower jow regions. Of course, besides these, there may be fractures in different parts of the face.

Since “what is a jawbone, how do facial bone fractures heal” type questions are frequently asked and in order to explain the condition, it is important to answer them.

What are Jaw Fractures?

Broken jaw is a fracture of the bones in the jaw area. It may occur as a result of a major blow or may be due to other reasons. It should be added that Jaw fractures are different from dislocated jaw. Dislocated jaw occurs at the temporomandibular joint and can be expressed as the jaw moving out of its normal position in the lower site. Treatment methods for these problems may vary. Some can be completed with a short treatment, while others may take a few weeks.

Causes of Jaw Fractures

Jawbone is a highly functional structure. It has a direct effect on speaking, chewing, swallowing and even tooth alignment. This region consists of two parts, the upper jawbone and the lower jawbone.

Facial injuries are the most common cause of dislocated or broken jaws. Mostly, damage occurs in the relevant area as a result of a moderate and major blows. Jaw fracture cases are mostly happened as a result of car accidents, work-related accidents, exercise injuries and falls.

Jaw Fractures Symptoms

Since the jaw area has a complicated structure, fracture symptoms may differ. The most common jaw fracture symptoms are:

• Difficulty in opening the mouth fully,
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing,
• Loosening of teeth
• Tooth loss,
• Earache,
• Numbness,
• Swelling on the chin or cheeks,
• Lumb-like formations,
• Jaw misalignment.

Jaw Fractures Treatment

If a fracture is detected while examining signs of broken jaw, treatment should be started immediately. Instant medical intervention is extremely important to solve the problem. Because a broken jawbone can bleed and cause breathing problems. For example, if a fracture occurred after a traffic accident, emergency services should be called immediately.

Of course, emergency intervention may be required during this time. First aid methods to follow are as follows:

The chin should be held with both hands (should be in placed between your hands) and should remain so until the emergency responders come. The chin area can be wrapped with a bandage. The bandage should cover the underside of the chin and the top of the head. If the bandage method is to be applied, in case the patient wants to vomit, the bandages should not block this act. If there is difficulty in breathing, intense swelling on the face or heavy bleeding continues, a tube may be placed into the airways of the patient during the first aid intervention.

If there is a serious fracture and deformation in the chin, the solution may be surgery. The doctor may wire the upper and lower jaw bones together or place a metal plate to heal the broken bone. These are among the primary methods that can be preferred to set the bones in place in severe traumas and to ensure the healing of the bones.

Jaw Fractures Recovery

It is extremely important for the patient to be careful and follow the aftercare instructions during the healing process of the broken bone. It will be advantageous to pay attention to the jaw fractures home care methods.

• If swelling has occurred, you should apply ice compresses at regular bases.
• Use the medical drugs prescribed by the dentist to relieve both swelling and pain.
• Do not eat hard-to-eat foods.
• Consume the drinks with the help of straw.
• If you feel like you are going to yawn or sneeze, focus on keeping your mouth shut. You can put your hand under the chin.
• Brush the teeth gently, if brushing is not possible, you can use mouthwash.
• When the jaw fracture is healing, your doctor may recommend various mouth and facial exercises. Their main purpose is to strengthen your jaw.

FAQ