A fractured jaw causes pain. Jaw fracture also changes the way your teeth fit together. Very often, the mouth cannot be opened wide. There are also shifts to one side when opening or closing the mouth. Most of the jaw fractures occur in the lower jaw.
Fractures in the upper jaw may cause double vision. Jaw fracture in upper jaw can also lead to numbness in the skin below the eye. It could also lead to an irregularity in the cheekbone. This can be felt when running a finger along it. Any injury which is forceful to fracture the jaw may also injure the spine in the neck. The blow may be powerful enough to fracture the jaw. This may also cause a concussion or bleeding within the skull.
If an individual suspects a jaw fracture, the jaw should be held in place with the teeth together and this should be immobile. The jaw may be held with a hand or with a bandage wrapped under the jaw and over the top of the head for various times. Medical help should be sought when fracture happens since there may be internal bleeding and airway obstruction. A Barton's bandage can be used to stabilize the jaw after a fracture temporarily.
When you are at the hospital, neck x-rays are often taken to rule out spinal damage before the jaw fracture is treated. The upper and lower jaws may be wired together. They remain wired for six weeks and this will allow the bone to heal. During this period of time, the individual is only able to drink liquids and that too with the help of straw. Many jaw fractures can be repaired with a plate surgically. The jaws are immobilized for only a few days. After that the soft foods can be eaten. Among children, some jaw fractures are not immobilized. Initial treatment allows restricted motion. The normal activity resumes in a few weeks after that. The antibiotics are given to a person with a compound fracture.
Jaw fractures occur in the lower jaw and an x-ray will show when the broken bone has knitted. Most jaw fractures happen in accidents. With jaw fracture, there will be swelling, pain, bruising or bleeding in the area where there is break. You also may have pain in front of your ear. You could also face trouble in opening your mouth. Surgery may be required if you have a bad fracture. If your jaws are wired together, you should know how to cut the wire quickly if you throw up or have a bad coughing attack. You should always keep wire cutters handy. You should also apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour. This should be done in the first 1 to 2 days.