Broken or Dislocated Jaw: First Aid, Treatment and Recovery

A broken (fractured) jaw or a dislocated jaw needs medical attention right away. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, explains this is because the person may have breathing problems or bleeding. The good news is that a broken or dislocated jaw usually heals well with treatment. This guide covers the signs, first aid and what recovery involves.

Broken vs dislocated

A broken jaw is a fracture of the jaw bone. A dislocated jaw means the lower jaw has moved out of position at one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJs), where it connects to the skull (MedlinePlus). See TMJ disorders and dentists.

Common causes

The most common cause is facial injury: assault, industrial or motor vehicle accidents, recreational or sports injuries, and trips and falls. MedlinePlus notes it can also happen after a dental or medical procedure.

Signs of a broken jaw

• face or jaw pain in front of the ear or on the injured side, worse with movement
• bruising, swelling and bleeding from the mouth
• difficulty chewing, and tenderness worse with biting
• misaligned teeth or jaw, or loose or damaged teeth
• stiffness, trouble opening or closing the mouth, or the jaw moving to one side on opening
• a lump or abnormal look to the cheek or jaw
• numbness of the face, especially the lower lip, and ear pain

Signs of a dislocated jaw

• pain in front of the ear or on the affected side, worse with movement
• a bite that feels “off” or crooked, and teeth that don’t line up
• problems talking, inability to close the mouth, and drooling
• a locked jaw or a jaw that juts forward

First aid

• Call 911 or your local emergency number, or a local hospital for advice.
• Hold the jaw gently in place with your hands on the way to the emergency room. You can also wrap a bandage under the jaw and over the head, loose enough to remove quickly in case of vomiting.
• Do not try to correct the jaw’s position yourself. MedlinePlus says a provider should do this.

At the hospital, a breathing tube may be placed if there are breathing problems, heavy bleeding or severe facial swelling. If teeth were knocked out too, see what to do for a knocked-out tooth.

Treatment for a fracture

MedlinePlus says treatment depends on how badly the bone is broken:

• Minor fractures may heal on their own with pain medicine and soft foods or a liquid diet for a while.
• Moderate to severe fractures often need surgery. The jaw may be wired to the opposite jaw’s teeth, usually for 6 to 8 weeks, with small rubber bands (elastics) holding the teeth together. Some elastics are removed after a few weeks to reduce stiffness.

Living with a wired jaw

• You can only drink liquids or eat very soft foods.
• Keep blunt scissors handy to cut the elastics if you vomit or choke.
• If wires must be cut, call your provider right away so they can be replaced.

Keeping teeth clean matters during recovery. Ask your care team how. See how to brush your teeth.

Treatment for a dislocation

A provider may be able to guide the jaw back using the thumbs, sometimes with numbing medicine and muscle relaxants. The jaw may then be bandaged to keep the mouth from opening widely. Surgery is sometimes needed, particularly after repeated dislocations. Afterward, MedlinePlus says not to open your mouth widely for at least 6 weeks and to support your jaw with your hands when yawning or sneezing.

Possible complications

MedlinePlus lists airway blockage, bleeding, breathing blood or food into the lungs, temporary difficulty eating and talking, infection, TMJ pain, numbness, problems aligning the teeth and swelling. A dislocated jaw may dislocate again later.

Prevention

Safety equipment such as a helmet for football, and mouth guards, can prevent or minimize some face and jaw injuries. See sports mouthguards.

Frequently asked questions

Is a broken jaw an emergency?

Yes. MedlinePlus says it needs prompt medical attention. Difficulty breathing or heavy bleeding are emergency signs.

How long will my jaw be wired?

Usually 6 to 8 weeks, per MedlinePlus. Your surgeon will advise.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Broken or dislocated jaw

By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.

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