At orthopedic clinics, doctors often see patients with a jaw fracture (a broken jaw bone). Some of these patients are even famous boxing athletes. A jaw fracture can be mild or severe.
Doctors choose different treatments based on how bad the injury is. The main goals are to align the jaw bones, help them heal, and help the patient eat again.
How Do Doctors Check a Jaw Fracture?
- Visual Exam: The doctor checks if the face looks uneven, if there are open wounds, or if the teeth do not line up.
- CT Scan: This scan shows hidden bone shifts, small broken pieces, and if any nerves or blood vessels are trapped.
- 3D CT Reconstruction: This creates a 3D model of the jaw to show the exact damage and help plan the surgery.
- MRI Scan: This is used if the doctor thinks the jaw joint (TMJ) or nearby tissues are hurt.
- Skull Base CT: This is used if there is bleeding or fluid leaking from the ear, to check for brain injuries.
Treatments: Mild vs. Severe Cases
- Mild Cases (No Bone Shift): If the bones did not move and the teeth line up normally, surgery is usually not needed. An orthopedic doctor will use a splint to fix the maxilla and mandible together. This helps the bone heal on its own.
- Severe Cases (Clear Bone Shift): If the jaw is crooked, teeth do not meet, or the patient cannot open their mouth, surgery is necessary. An orthopedic surgeon will align the broken bones and fix them with metal plates and screws.
Important Tips for Jaw Fracture Recovery
- Diet: Eat liquid foods first, then soft foods, and go back to normal food only after full recovery.
- Drinking: Do not suck too hard if you use a straw.
- Cleaning: Wash your mouth gently. Use mouthwash instead of hard brushing in the beginning.
- Swelling: Use ice packs at first, then warm packs later. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
- Safety: Never remove your fixed splint by yourself. If you feel severe jaw pain, see your doctor immediately.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Medroot Medical for more information.
