How long does a fractured jaw take to heal. What are the common causes of a fractured jaw. What are the symptoms of a fractured jaw. How is a broken jaw treated. How can you manage discomfort and speed up recovery.

Understanding Jaw Fractures: Causes and Symptoms

A fractured jaw is a serious injury that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Jaw Fractures

Jaw fractures can occur due to various reasons, with some being more prevalent than others:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls (e.g., down stairs, off ladders, diving into shallow water)
• Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football and hockey
• Assaults and domestic violence

Recognizing Jaw Fracture Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of a fractured jaw is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. Common signs include:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Bruising and swelling around the chin and cheeks
• Difficulty opening the mouth or speaking clearly
• Numbness in the chin or lips

Can a fractured jaw heal on its own. While minor fractures may heal with conservative treatment, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to prevent complications such as infection, nerve damage, or permanent facial deformities.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Fractured Jaws

Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for ensuring optimal recovery from a fractured jaw.

Diagnostic Procedures

To accurately diagnose a jaw fracture, medical professionals may use:

• Physical examination
• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans

Treatment Approaches

The treatment for a fractured jaw depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Options include:

1. Conservative treatment: For mild fractures, this may involve cold packs, rest, and pain medication.
2. Splinting or casting: To keep the bones in place during healing.
3. Surgical intervention: For more severe fractures, surgeons may use wires, pins, or plates to align and stabilize the bones.
4. Dental treatment: If teeth are damaged along with the jaw.

Is surgery always necessary for a fractured jaw. Not all jaw fractures require surgical intervention. The decision depends on the fracture’s severity, location, and potential impact on function and aesthetics.

Fractured Jaw Healing Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the healing timeline for a fractured jaw can help patients set realistic expectations and manage their recovery more effectively.

Factors Influencing Healing Time

Several factors can affect how long it takes for a fractured jaw to heal:

• Severity of the fracture
• Patient’s age and overall health
• Adherence to post-treatment instructions
• Presence of complications

Typical Healing Timeframes

The healing time for a fractured jaw can vary significantly based on the treatment approach:

• Conservative treatment (no surgery): 4-6 weeks
• Surgical intervention with wiring or plates: 3-6 months

Why does surgical treatment take longer to heal. Surgical interventions often involve more complex fractures or multiple fracture sites, requiring more time for the bone to fully heal and regain strength.

Managing Discomfort and Speeding Up Recovery

While the healing process takes time, there are several strategies patients can employ to manage discomfort and potentially speed up their recovery.

Dietary Considerations

Proper nutrition is crucial for healing, but a fractured jaw can make eating challenging. Consider:

• Consuming soft foods that are easy to chew
• Avoiding crunchy or hard-to-chew items
• Staying well-hydrated to support the healing process

Pain Management Techniques

Controlling pain can significantly improve comfort during recovery:

• Using over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your doctor
• Applying cold packs to reduce swelling
• Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress and discomfort

Lifestyle Adjustments

Certain lifestyle changes can promote faster healing:

• Avoiding smoking, which can slow healing and increase infection risk
• Getting adequate rest to allow the body to focus on healing
• Following post-operative instructions carefully

How can proper oral hygiene be maintained with a fractured jaw. Maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging but is crucial for preventing infection. Use a child-sized toothbrush or Waterpik® as recommended by your oral surgeon, and rinse with saline solution to keep the mouth clean.

Potential Complications and When to Seek Medical Attention

While most fractured jaws heal without significant issues, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and know when to seek additional medical care.

Common Complications

Possible complications of a fractured jaw include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Malocclusion (misalignment of teeth)
• Chronic pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Red Flags During Recovery

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Signs of infection (fever, increased swelling, discharge)
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden changes in bite alignment

Can complications arise long after the initial healing period. Yes, some complications, such as TMJ disorders or chronic pain, may develop months or even years after the initial injury, emphasizing the importance of follow-up care.

Long-Term Outlook and Follow-Up Care

Understanding the long-term prognosis and importance of follow-up care is crucial for patients recovering from a fractured jaw.

Expected Outcomes

With proper treatment and care, most patients can expect:

• Full recovery of jaw function
• Restoration of normal appearance
• Return to regular diet and activities

Importance of Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-up appointments are essential for:

• Monitoring healing progress
• Adjusting treatment plans if necessary
• Addressing any emerging concerns
• Ensuring long-term jaw health

How long should patients continue with follow-up care after a fractured jaw. While initial healing may take 3-6 months, follow-up care may continue for up to a year or more, depending on the individual case and any complications that arise.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy for Jaw Fractures

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring full function and preventing long-term complications after a jaw fracture.

Types of Rehabilitation Exercises

Common rehabilitation exercises may include:

• Jaw opening and closing exercises
• Side-to-side jaw movements
• Tongue exercises
• Facial muscle strengthening exercises

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help:

• Improve jaw mobility
• Reduce pain and stiffness
• Prevent muscle atrophy
• Enhance overall recovery

When should rehabilitation exercises begin after a jaw fracture. The timing for starting rehabilitation exercises varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method. Typically, gentle exercises may begin a few weeks after the injury or surgery, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Recovering from a fractured jaw requires patience, diligence, and proper medical care. By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery process, patients can navigate their healing journey more effectively. Remember that each case is unique, and following your healthcare provider’s specific instructions is crucial for optimal recovery. With proper care and attention, most individuals can expect to regain full jaw function and return to their normal activities after a fractured jaw.

How Long Does a Fractured Jaw Take to Heal?

The jaw is a complex bone designed to withstand significant force. Most fractured jaws result from an accident—often from sports injuries or car accidents—and can take considerable time to heal. Here’s what you need to know. 

What are the common causes of a fractured jaw?

Common causes include:

Motor vehicle accidents. A car crash is the most common cause of a broken jaw.

Falls. Falling down stairs or off a ladder often causes facial fractures, including fractured jaws. Other causes include diving into shallow water and falling from heights such as buildings or ladders.

Sports injuries. Contact sports such as football and hockey can cause facial fractures, including broken jaws.

Assaults and domestic violence. Assaults are another significant cause of facial fractures. Domestic violence often results in facial trauma, which includes fractured jaws.

What are the symptoms of a fractured jaw?

A fractured jaw can be extremely painful and may make eating, drinking, and speaking difficult.

Symptoms include:

• Pain when biting down on food or chewing
• Bruising around the chin and cheeks
• Swelling around the chin and cheeks
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Numbness in the chin or lips

If a fractured jaw isn’t treated properly, you may experience complications such as infection, nerve damage, and permanent damage to your facial structures.

If you suspect you have a fractured jaw, it’s essential to seek immediate treatment because the bone may be displaced and require repositioning to heal correctly.

How Is a broken jaw treated?

Treatment for a broken jaw will depend on the fracture type and the damage to your jawbone and surrounding soft tissue. In some cases, a fractured jaw can be treated with a splint or cast that keeps the bones in place while they heal. Your doctor may need to insert pins or plates into your bone to stabilize it during healing.

If your jawbone was fractured in multiple places, your oral surgeon might use wires, pins, or plates to align the bones. In some cases, oral surgeons will wait until the swelling goes down, allowing them to see what needs repair during surgery. You may also need dental treatment if you’ve sustained damage to your teeth.

How long does a fractured jaw take to heal?

A fracture can be classified as mild (if there are no signs of displacement), moderate (if there is a displacement of bone fragments), or severe (if there is significant displacement).

The jaw can take up to six months to heal after being broken because of several factors, including the severity of the injury, age, and overall health.

The approximate healing times for a broken jaw are as follows:

• Conservative treatment (cold packs, rest, and medication), no surgery: 4-6 weeks.
• Surgical wiring or plates: 3-6 months.

In many cases, surgery isn’t required. If it is, the recovery time will take significantly longer.

How can I manage discomfort and speed up recovery?

For the best outcome, following your oral surgeon’s instructions after treatment is essential. Doing so will help ensure you heal fully and as quickly as possible with minimal discomfort.

While you can’t do anything about the healing process, there are several things you can do to help speed up recovery and make it less painful.

Eat soft foods. While recovering from a fractured jaw, eat only soft foods that are easy to chew. Avoid crunchy foods and hard-to-chew items like raw vegetables or meat.

Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration can help the body heal. 

Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), may help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.

Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of infection and slows healing time.

Rio Grande Oral Surgery Treats Facial Trauma

Understanding how long it takes to heal from a fractured jaw will help you set realistic expectations and better manage your recovery.

If you’ve sustained facial trauma and think you may have a fractured jaw, seek treatment immediately. Call 505-821-2111 today to schedule or request an appointment.

Post-Operative Instructions: After Jaw Fracture Surgery

Following these instructions and the instructions the nurses have given to you will result in fewer complications and make your recovery period easier. Failure to follow these instructions could result in unnecessary pain, delay in healing, or complications, which could negatively affect the outcome of your treatment.

Following surgery, your jaws may be held together with elastics. A period of 2–6 weeks is usually required for initial bone healing.

What You Need For Home

• Syringe
• Saline (to make your own: dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water)
• Child sized toothbrush/Waterpik^®
• Scissors/pocket knife (for cutting elastics if your jaws are held closed)
• Vaseline or lip balm
• Blender or food processor

Medications/Prescriptions

If necessary, a prescription for medications will be provided at the time of your discharge. Please take the medication as prescribed until it is finished. You may be sent home with a prescription for a liquid pain reliever, which can be administered through a syringe as you have been shown, or sipped from a spoon. If your pain reliever is in pill form, you can crush it and mix it with 10–20 ml of water or juice to be supped or administered through a syringe.

You may also be given a prescription for a liquid antibiotic to prevent infection. It is important to take this medication as prescribed until it is finished. You may also be given a prescription for an antibiotic mouth rinse. It is very important to keep your mouth clean.

An increase in swelling and pain after the first week could indicate an infection, which may require treatment. Should this happen to you, contact your doctor.

Care of The Operative Area

Swelling

For the first 48 hours after surgery, you will be given ice packs, which will help to minimize swelling. Following this period, you will need to use heat (hot, wet facecloth, hot water bottle, heating pad, or microwaveable pack) to help reduce the remaining bruising and swelling. As it takes about 2 weeks for the majority of the swelling to disappear, continue to use heat for 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a day for at least 1–2 weeks after you are discharged from the hospital. A few minutes of gentle massage while using the heat also helps.

Bleeding

Prolonged bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding from the incision sites following discharge from the hospital, is not normal, and you should contact your doctor if this occurs.

Sore Throat

For the first couple of days following surgery, you may experience a sore throat and some nasal decongestion. This is normal after anesthesia and should go away within a couple of days. Drinking plenty of liquids usually helps with the throat tenderness.

Lip Care

You will be unable to keep your lips moist when your jaws are held together with elastics. In addition, cracking of the corners of the mouth does sometimes occur following surgery. Apply Vaseline or lip balm regularly to keep these areas from becoming too dry or chapped.

Oral Hygiene/Mouth Care

It is important to remember to clean your teeth and rinse your mouth routinely following surgery. Using a Waterpik® after the first week is an excellent aid. A mild salt solution or a commercial mouthwash (non-alcohol based) will assist you in keeping your mouth clean. It is important to rinse your mouth with 20–30 ml of saline frequently every 2 hours as well as after meals. You can make your own saline (see above). Use a child toothbrush to clean the outside of your teeth. You can start brushing the front of your teeth as soon as it is not too painful and progress to the back of your mouth when the swelling in your cheeks comes down. You must do this as thoroughly as possible. You will, of course, not be able to brush the tongue side of your teeth with a brush. The tongue side of the teeth can be brushed by moving your tongue across them while using a mouth rinse. You should avoid carbonated beverages, as they tend to decalcify your teeth.

Muscle Spasm and Mobilization

Occasionally, several elastics will break away during the fixation (teeth together) period. As long as you cannot open your mouth significantly, this is not a problem, and elastics will be replaced at one of your post-operative visits. If a large number of elastics are lost, and you can open your mouth, don’t be alarmed. You should, however, contact your doctor so that new elastics can be placed.

Diet

Since your jaws may be held together with elastics, you will require what is called a balanced fluid diet (blenderized). It is essential that your body receives adequate fluids and nourishment in order to maintain your nutritional status and promote healing.

You will be limited to a strictly liquid diet until your jaw is no longer tightly held together. During this period, you will become creative with your menu choices. It is especially important to drink adequate amounts of fluids, 3–4 liters per day. You can purchase liquid nutritional supplements (such as Ensure or Boost) in a grocery store. You may continue to use the syringe for feeding, or when you are comfortable, use a straw or drink from a glass. A nutritious dietary intake is important to promote healing and decreasing the possibility of infection. You can expect to about 5–10% of your total body weight during the first 6 weeks following your surgery. A rapid loss of weight during the first week is usually due to fluid loss.

After the first 6 weeks, you can progress slowly to a normal diet. The first 4 weeks following the removal of the tight elastics, your diet should involve soft foods (eggs, potatoes, fish, pasta, etc.).

Here are some tips for creating a personal menu:

• You may eat anything that can be thinned into liquid form. Meals may be blenderized until smooth. If food is still lumpy, use a strainer.
• Cold whole milk can be used to thin puddings, yogurt, cereal, sandwiches, ice cream, and cakes.
• Warm whole milk can be used to thin cheese, eggs, toast, hot cereal, muffins, pasta, hot main dishes, and casseroles.
• Fruit juice can be used to thin fruit, yogurt, and ice cream.

Weight loss is a common result of a liquid diet. If you are experiencing weight loss, try snacking between meals and adding whole milk cheese or skim milk powder to meals to boost caloric intake. Constipation may result from the low fiber content in liquid diets or may be a side effect of some pain medications. To avoid this, try to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and add prune juice to your daily menu.

Alcohol and smoking can delay wound healing and promote infection. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided until your surgical sites are completely healed.

Choking

In the unlikely possibility that choking or breathing difficulties may occur, we recommend that you have scissors or a pocket knife with you at all times while your teeth are wired together. In the rare event that you need to cut the elastics, proceed with cutting the elastics and then contact your doctor immediately. The nurses will instruction in the art of cutting the elastics in the event of an emergency.

Nausea

Avoid alcohol or foods that may cause your stomach to become upset. Should you experience nausea, you can use over-the-counter anti-nausea medication as directed on the bottle. If the nausea persists, please contact your doctor.

In most cases of vomiting, the elastics do not require removal. It is extremely rare to have to remove the elastics as the stomach contents are of liquid nature and can escape through and around the teeth. If emergency elastic removal (for vomiting or breathing difficulties) is required, please contact your doctor immediately. Remember that during the tight fixation period (with elastics), you should carry scissors or a pocketknife with you wherever you go.

Warning Signs of Complications

The following symptoms may be a sign of infection or other complications; therefore, you should follow up immediately with your doctor if they occur.

• Redness
• Increased swelling
• Increased or excessive pain
• Foul odor from the mouth
• Fever and/or chills
• Bleeding inside the mouth (wires may need to be adjusted)

Physical Activity

Physical activity should be kept to a minimum for at least 6–8 weeks after surgery. It is very important that you realize that you just had a significant operation that requires a well-rested recovery period. Excessive activity (running, exercising, swimming, heavy lifting, house cleaning, contact sports, going up and down stairs quickly, etc.) can cause bleeding and/or dizziness. If you had upper jaw fracture, you should avoid bending over during this time period as it may cause dizziness.

Excessive fatigue can also slow the healing process as well as increase the chance of infection by reducing your resistance. A gradual increase back to normal activity is the most sensible approach. Contact or other sports in which direct physical contact or injury are possible should be avoided for 2–3 months to minimize the risk of another fracture. If you have any specific activities you wish to perform following your surgery, please discuss this with your doctor.

Follow-Up With Your Doctor

A follow-up appointment should be arranged with your doctor’s office prior to discharge. If an appointment has not been made, please call your doctor’s office during regular business hours to arrange a follow-up appointment.

Please follow any other instructions that have been explained to you by your doctor.

Please review these tips for the safe use and proper disposal of prescription medications.

If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to call our office at (360) 293-2808 or our after-hours telephone number at (360) 647-4027. However, if you are experiencing severe bleeding or breathing problems requiring immediate attention, please proceed to the nearest Emergency Department or Dial 911.

causes, symptoms and treatments

Contents

• 1 Mandibular fracture: causes, symptoms and treatment
  • 1.1 Mandibular fracture: causes, symptoms and treatments
    • 1.1.1 What is a mandibular fracture?
  • 1.2 Mandibular fracture: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.2.1 Causes of mandibular fracture
  • 1. 3 Mandibular fracture symptoms
  • 1.4 Fracture diagnosis and lower jaw
  • 1.5 Non-displaced mandibular fracture treatment
    • 1.5.1 Conservative treatment
    • 1.5.2 Surgical treatment
  • 1.6 Displaced mandibular fracture treatment
  • 1.7 Basic principles of rehabilitation after treatment of mandibular fracture
    • 1.7.1 Exercises to restore jaw function
    • 1.7.2 Regular massage
    • 1.7.3 Load limiting
    • 1.7.4 Profile treatment
  • 1.8 Possible complications of mandibular fracture
  • 1.9 Mandibular fracture prevention
  • 1.10 Related videos:
  • 1.11 Q&A:
    • 900 04
    • 1.11.0.1 What causes a mandibular fracture?
    • 1.11.0.2 What are the symptoms of a mandibular fracture?
    • 1.11.0.3 What should be done if a mandibular fracture is suspected?
    • 1.11.0.4 How is a mandibular fracture diagnosed?
    • 1.11.0.5 How is a mandibular fracture treated?
    • 1. 11.0.6 How long does a mandibular fracture take to heal?

A mandibular fracture is a serious injury that can lead to speech and chewing problems. In this article, we will talk about the causes of a fracture and methods for its treatment.

Mandibular fracture is an injury that can occur as a result of various circumstances. It can be caused by trauma, falls, accidents, and other factors that damage the jaw bones. It is important to know that a mandibular fracture is a serious injury that requires surgical treatment.

The symptoms of a mandibular fracture may vary depending on the severity of the injury and where it occurred. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild, while in others there may be a complete inability to open the mouth, chew, speak and eat. Swelling, bruising, and pain may also occur.

In order to treat a fracture of the lower jaw, it is necessary to consult a surgeon in a timely manner. Treatment may include various methods, such as surgery, but in some cases conservative treatment is also possible. The main thing is not to self-medicate and not to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Mandibular fracture: causes, symptoms and treatment

What is a mandibular fracture?

A fracture of the mandible is an injury in which there is a break or complete destruction of the bone in the region of the mandible. This is a serious injury that can lead to dysfunction of the jaw and cause discomfort to the patient.

The main symptom of a fracture of the lower jaw is a sensation of pain in the area of ​​the bone, swelling, displacement of pieces of bone or their detachment. Moreover, these symptoms with a severe injury may not occur immediately, but after a few hours.

Mandibular fractures are treated with different methods depending on the type and extent of the injury. It can be both surgical intervention and conservative treatment with the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. The need for surgery and its scope are determined by the doctor after the examination.

Fracture of the lower jaw: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes of fracture of the lower jaw

Trauma: force that could damage the jaw bones.

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle and break easily. People with osteoporosis can suffer a mandibular fracture from even minor injuries or falls.

Sharp teeth: Some people have sharp teeth or malocclusion that can damage the jaw bones and cause them to break.

Oncological diseases: Some tumors in the lower jaw can settle on the bone tissue, which can cause its destruction and fracture.

Peritonsillar abscess: In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an infection occurs that can lead to an abscess in the jaw and, in turn, to its fracture.

Dental Procedures: In some cases, a mandibular fracture may be caused by an unsuccessful dental procedure, such as extraction of a tooth or tooth root.

Mandibular fracture symptoms

1. Pain

One of the key symptoms of a mandibular fracture is pain. The affected person may experience severe pain, which is aggravated by touching the fracture site.

2. Swelling and hematoma

Swelling (production of excess fluid) and hematoma (accumulation of blood) are also symptoms of a mandibular fracture, as they can occur at the site of injury.

3. Impossibility to open the mouth

A fracture of the lower jaw can lead to a violation of the functionality of the jaw, due to which the victim may have difficulty opening the mouth.

4. Malocclusion

If the mandible is fractured, the bite may change because the jaw may be in an incorrect position. This can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking.

5. Noises and clicks

Noises and clicks at the site of a mandibular fracture are also symptoms, as they may indicate an injury. When moving, the jaw can make a sound that would not normally occur.

Mandibular fracture diagnosis

The diagnosis of a mandibular fracture can be quite difficult. Sometimes even doctors find it difficult to determine the presence of a fracture after the initial examination. However, with proper diagnosis, it is possible to accurately determine the presence and location of a fracture.

In addition to fluoroscopy, computed tomography can also be performed. This is a more modern diagnostic method that allows you to get a more accurate image of the fracture and its effect on nearby tissues.

In some cases where the x-ray does not show a fracture but is suspected, magnetic resonance imaging may be done. With this method of research, a more detailed image of soft tissues and blood vessels can be obtained, which makes it possible to detect hidden fractures that are not visible on radiographs.

• The main method for diagnosing a mandibular fracture is fluoroscopy
• In addition to fluoroscopy, computed tomography can also be performed
• In some cases, when the x-ray does not show a fracture, but its presence is still suspected, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed

Mandibular fracture treatment without displacement

Mandibular fracture without displacement is the mildest form of this disease, which greatly facilitates the treatment process. Among the methods of treatment of a mandibular fracture without displacement, one can single out a conservative method and a surgical method.

Conservative method of treatment

Conservative method of treatment of mandibular fractures without displacement consists in applying immobilization to the damaged part of the jaw. For this, a plaster cast or a special elastic bandage is used. For several weeks, the patient is advised to stay in bed and eat soft foods to prevent re-injury.

Surgical treatment

Non-displaced mandibular fracture surgery may be used if the patient’s ability to chew and speak is impaired. It consists in drilling holes in the lower jaw and fixing it with plates and screws. This method of treatment allows you to speed up the recovery period and restore the functions of the lower jaw.

Comparison of treatments Method of treatment Advantages Disadvantages

Conservative	Does not require surgery	Requires a long rehabilitation period
Surgical	Accelerates the healing process and restores the functions of the lower jaw	Requires surgery

Methods treatment of mandibular fracture with displacement

Displaced mandibular fracture requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may include conservative methods such as a cast for 4-6 weeks to allow the mandible to heal.

If a displaced mandibular fracture is found too late for conservative treatment, and osteosynthesis is difficult or impossible, an operation called “geneplasty” can be performed. In this case, the fractured part of the bone is removed and replaced with an implant.

The decision to treat a displaced mandibular fracture depends on a number of factors, including the specific location and severity of the fracture, the patient’s age and general condition, and the presence of other medical conditions.

Basic principles of rehabilitation after treatment of a mandibular fracture

Exercises to restore jaw function

After treatment of a mandibular fracture, it is necessary to carry out special exercises aimed at restoring jaw function. These exercises include various movements of the jaw up and down, right and left, and back and forth. This workout helps to restore the full range of motion of the jaw.

Regular massage

To facilitate the recovery process, it is necessary to massage the face and neck regularly. This helps to improve blood circulation in the fracture zone, accelerate tissue regeneration and makes muscles more flexible.

Limiting the load

During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to limit the load on the jaw and its joints. It is important to monitor nutrition, avoid hard foods and reduce the number of chewing movements.

Specialty treatments

Your doctor may prescribe additional specialty treatments such as massage therapy, physical therapy, or therapeutic exercises. These procedures help to significantly speed up the process of rehabilitation and restoration of jaw function.

Sample exercise scheduleDayMorningLunchEvening

9018 5 2

1	5 minutes	5 minutes	5 minutes
7 minutes	7 minutes	7 minutes
3	10 minutes	10 minutes	10 minutes

Important: Always consult your physician before starting any workout or any additional treatments to avoid improper treatment that can lead to complications and slow recovery.

Possible complications of a mandibular fracture

A mandibular fracture can lead to a number of unpleasant complications. First, it can cause difficulty in eating and breathing. In addition, after a fracture, edema and hematoma may occur.

Another possible complication is the development of facial asymmetry. In addition, the risk of a mandibular fracture is increased if the person has bone disease or has recently had bone treatment.

1. Edema and hematoma – unpleasant consequences of a fracture;
2. Infection – possible complication if treatment is not started in time;
3. Development of facial asymmetry – serious risk after mandibular fracture;
4. Increased risk of mandibular fracture – a possible consequence in bone diseases or after bone treatment.

Mandibular Fracture Prevention

To prevent mandibular fracture, some simple rules must be observed. First of all, you need to adhere to proper nutrition and consume enough calcium, which helps strengthen bones.

Frantic and painful sports should also be avoided, not only actively playing or participating in them, but simply attending matches or watching them on TV, as excitement can lead to strong jerky movements that can lead to jaw injuries.

In addition, be careful when playing your favorite sports and wear protective gear such as helmets and padded elbow and knee pads. And of course, we must not forget about driving behavior on the road, as road accidents are one of the most common causes of mandibular fractures.

• Proper nutrition;
• Avoidance of painful sports;
• Wearing protective gear;
• Careful driving behavior.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes can lead to a mandibular fracture?

A mandibular fracture can occur as a result of an injury such as a fall, car accident, fight, or sports injury. It may also be associated with osteoporosis, bone disease, certain jaw joint abnormalities, and other factors.

What are the symptoms of a mandibular fracture?

Among the main symptoms of a mandibular fracture are: soreness when touching the jaw, swelling of the tissues, severe pain when trying to open the mouth, impaired closure of the mouth, and possibly displacement of pieces of the jaw.

What should I do if I suspect a mandibular fracture?

If you suspect a mandibular fracture, you should contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary medical procedures and treatment that will ensure a quick recovery.

How is a mandibular fracture diagnosed?

To diagnose a mandibular fracture, your doctor will examine you and may order an X-ray or CT scan. Additional studies may be carried out if necessary.

How is a mandibular fracture treated?

Mandibular fracture treatment may vary depending on the severity of the injury. The doctor may prescribe surgery to restore bone tissue, as well as prescribe exercise, diet, and other measures to speed up the recovery process.

How long does a mandibular fracture take to heal?

The healing time of a mandibular fracture depends on the severity of the injury, the general condition of the patient, and additional diseases. On average, full recovery after a mandibular fracture can take from several weeks to several months.

How long does a displaced jaw fracture heal? the jaw breaks due to a disease – osteomyelitis or bone tumor.

A fracture of the jaw can heal from a month to a year

Photo

Getty

Doctors distinguish 4 types of jaw fractures:

• Fracture of the jaw with displacement, another name is a complete fracture. A characteristic difference is the displacement of bone sections. The scrapping can be oblique, transverse, double, multiple, comminuted.
• Non-displaced fracture, also known as incomplete fracture. Bone fragments do not move.
• Open fracture. The mucous membranes of the mouth and facial tissues are severely injured, torn.
• Closed fracture. Soft tissue remains intact.

The list of symptoms differs depending on the features of the fracture. However, a person with such an injury always has a swollen face, severe pain, and difficulty speaking. In the presence of such symptoms, you should immediately go to the traumatology.

How long does a jaw fracture heal?

It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of how long it will take to recover, since everything depends on the severity of the fracture. The simplest types of jaw fractures that are properly treated heal in an average of 3-4 weeks. A month later, a person can already lead a normal life. But complex fractures, for example, fragmentation, with displacement, can be restored up to a year.

After the end of the treatment, it is necessary to undergo a course of restorative gymnastics in order to put the chewing muscles and joint mobility in order

In general, the treatment of a jaw fracture consists in combining the fragments of the jaw and their rigid fixation. Additionally, the patient is prescribed therapy with antibiotics. In severe cases, fragments of the jaw are held together with special wire, knitting needles, or even extraoral structures.

Consequences of jaw fracture

If a fracture is left untreated or treated incorrectly, the following complications may occur:

• partial displacement of a row of teeth;
• bite problems;
• difficult breathing;
• difficulty in swallowing, chewing;
• speech defects;
• numbness of the entire lower part of the face;
• persistent pain in the jaw area.

A person with an incorrectly fused jaw will feel general malaise, he will be haunted by headache, dizziness, nausea. Correcting an abnormal accretion is much more difficult than curing it right away.

A jaw fracture can be very unsettling. However, no matter how unpleasant it may be, you will be able to adapt to it, learn to eat with such a fracture, and the recovery period will fly by, so you should not despair.