Jaw fractures occur in the lower jaw, also known as the
mandible (MAN-dih-bull). The jaw bone may take weeks or months
to heal. An x-ray will show when the broken bone has
knitted.
Causes
Most jaw fractures are sustained
in accidents.
Signs/Symptoms
There will be swelling, pain,
bruising, or bleeding in the area of the break. You also may
have pain in front of your ear and trouble opening your
mouth.
Care
Your jaws will probably be wired
together to keep the bones in place. Surgery may be necessary
if you have a bad fracture.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
If your jaws are wired together, learn how to cut the
wire quickly in case you throw up or have a really bad
coughing attack. Keep wire cutters handy at all
times.
Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your
skin.
After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the
injury to help ease the pain. Use a warm heating pad (set
on low), whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20
minutes every hour for 48 hours.
You will be able to take nothing but liquids while
your jaw is wired. Drink high-protein nutritional
supplements until the jaw has healed.
Do not push on your jaw or allow anything else to
push on it. Sleep on your back.
Do not exercise so hard that you must pant for
breath.
You may take over-the-counter medicines to ease the
pain. Always take medications exactly as
directed.
Call Your Doctor If...
You develop a high temperature, a severe headache, or
loss of feeling in your face.
You have really bad jaw pain that does not go away
with medicine.
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