A broken jaw refers to a jaw with a fracture in the bone, usually in the lower jaw, called the mandible. A dislocated jaw is when the lower jaw comes out of place at the joint. Learn the causes, diagnosis and treatment for both broken and dislocated jaws.
Causes
The jaw is made up of 2 arches called the maxilla (top jaw) and mandible (bottom jaw) and is connected by a joint named the TMJ that allows the jaws to move. Trauma or injury can cause a fracture/break to the mandible and result in dislocation of the jaw. Fractures/breaks can also occur on the maxilla, but this typically gets classified as a facial injury. As for a dislocated jaw, opening the jaw wide can result in dislocation, such as yawning, biting, vomiting, or a dental procedure.
Symptoms
Broken jaw symptoms include pain in the jaw, pain while chewing and moving the jaw, bruising/ swelling, jaw stiffness, facial numbness, and potentially sore or mobile teeth. A dislocated jaw’s symptoms include pain in the jaw, jaw misalignment, jaw stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Although the symptoms of both a broken jaw and a dislocated jaw are similar, there are some key differences.
Treating a Broken Jaw
The treatment for a broken jaw depends on the severity of the break. If the injury is a minor fracture, the jaw may heal on its own. Pain medication and a soft diet will be recommended during the healing time. If the break is more significant, surgery will likely be needed to fix the jaw properly. Jaw surgery for a broken jaw includes screws and metal plates placed to hold the pieces together. The healing after jaw surgery is much longer, and jaw exercises will be recommended to regain mobility over time.
Treating a Dislocated Jaw
The treatment for a dislocated jaw is typically easier than for a broken jaw. A dentist or a doctor can manually move the jaw back into position, called a manual reduction. The purpose of this is to fit the mandible back into the jaw joint for normal function. In some cases, a bandage will be used around the head to prevent movement while the jaw heals.
It is essential to get yourself to a dentist or doctor immediately if you believe you may have a broken or dislocated jaw. Make sure to support your jaw until you receive medical attention. If you have any questions about broken or dislocated jaws, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.