The jaw is the most common fractured bone in the human body. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Sometimes because of direct force or trauma to the mandible (jawbone) this TMJ can break, crack or become unhinged from the skull, this unhinging of the jaw is called dislocation. A fractured or dislocated jaw can create problems with eating and breathing. For this, immediate medical attention is necessary to minimize complications and accelerate healing.
Causes of a Fractured or Dislocated Jaw
A facial trauma is the primary cause of a fractured or dislocated jaw. The jawbone will extend from the chin to behind the ear. The most common types of injury that can cause fractures or dislocations in the jawbone are:- physical assault in the face
- sports injuries
- vehicle accidents
- accidental falls in the home
- industrial or workplace accidents
Symptoms of a Fractured or Dislocated Jaw
Fractured Jaw: Experiencing pain, swelling, and bleeding are the most immediate symptoms of a broken jaw. The entire face will swell and the jaw become painful and stiff. In some people bleeding from the mouth can occur, because of difficulties in breathing and the blood flow may sometimes block the airways. The patient may experience severe pain, tenderness, numbness and bruising when chewing or speaking. Fractured jaw can cause other abnormalities with the shape of the face. Sometimes, The impact of the injury could may cause loosened or lost teeth
.
Dislocated Jaw: Symptoms of a dislocated jaw can be different than those of a broken jaw. The patient experience severe pain and it become worse when moving mouth or body.
The other symptoms of a dislocated jaw include the following:- Speaking may be difficult.
- The jaw might appear abnormal by jutting out too much, as in an overbite
- The teeth don’t line up normally and your bite feels strange
- An abnormal bite prevents from closing mouth completely
JP Dentofacial and Implantology Clinic is a leading hospital for Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology. The clinic offers advanced Jaw Fracture Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and all Dental Treatments in Thrissur under the expertise of the renowned Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Philip Mathew.
