A broken jaw involves damage to one or both joints connecting the lower jawbone to the skull, specifically the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Remember that the TMJ might crack, break or end up unhinged from the skull.
Damage to the jaw can result to issues with breathing and eating. Prompt medical care is vital to lower the risk for complications and promote rapid healing.
What are the causes?
Facial trauma is the main cause of a broken jaw. The jawbone extends from the chin up to the area behind the ear.
The usual forms of injury that can result to a fracture or dislocation of the jawbone include:
- Sports injuries
- Physical assault
- Vehicular accidents
- Workplace accidents
Facial trauma is the main cause of a broken jaw.
What are the indications?
The signs of a broken jaw include:
- Pain and swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw rigidity or stiffness
- Bruising and numbness in the face
- Dental-related issues such as loose teeth or numbness in the gums
Management of a broken jaw
If an individual ends up with an injured jaw, it is treated as an emergency. While waiting for medical care, the lower jaw must be supported to stabilize it as well as keep the airway open.
The treatment for a broken jaw might involve surgery depending on the seriousness of the injury. A clean break might recuperate on its own while the jaw is immobilized.
Several fractures of the jawbone or displaced breaks in a site of the bone that was driven to one side might require surgical intervention.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on a broken jaw is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn more about the causes and how it is managed, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.