Trauma can result in a variety of dental problems from a toothache to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
But one of the most serious injuries that cause jaw pain is a broken jaw.
A broken jaw (or fractured mandible) is a surprisingly common injury to the face.
Only the nose is broken more frequently, and a broken jaw is the 10th most commonly fractured bone in the entire body. Fractures generally result from direct force or trauma to the jawbone (mandible).
Jaw fractures can be extremely dangerous and painful. At Forster Dental Centre we want you to know exactly what the symptoms of a broken jaw are, what to do if you think you have one, and how it will likely be treated.
While it is possible to be unaware of a broken jaw, the signs and symptoms of a jawbone fracture normally develop immediately after obvious impact or trauma to the jaw.
The number one priority is to get medical help immediately by getting to a hospital emergency room. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid other problems:
Prevent choking. Allow any blood in the mouth to dribble out or have the person spit it into a handkerchief.
Immobilize jaw. Do not attempt to realign the jaw yourself. Fashion a bandage out of a necktie, handkerchief, scarf, belt, or tie fixed around the jaw and over the top of the head to keep the jaw from moving. The bandage should be removable in case the victim begins to vomit.
Control swelling. Gently apply cold compresses if swelling is evident.
Many jaw fractures are stable and only require wiring the upper and lower teeth together to allow healing. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon typically performs this procedure.
More unstable fractures require surgery. Surgical methods using plates, wires, and/or fine screws are used to rejoin or keep bones in place.
Aftercare is primarily eating foods (get a blender!) and managing pain.
Because jaw fractures are most commonly the result of motor vehicle accidents and fights, the best prevention is to drive carefully, wear seatbelts, and avoid disputes. Athletes should wear custom-made mouthguards during all sporting activities.
At Forster Dental Centre, we provide each patient with the care that allows them to maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile for life! We offer an extensive range of dental services from preventative dentistry to restorative dental options along with the latest in cosmetic dentistry solutions for straighter and whiter teeth.
We pride ourselves on listening to the needs and concerns of all our patients and aim to provide you with the personalised attention you and your family deserves.
Forster dentist is also serving local communities in Tuncurry, Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake, Hallidays Point, Failford, Old Bar, Nabiac, Taree, Manning Valley, Bulahdelah, Harrington and Great Lakes.
Same day dental emergency Forster appointment available!