Broken jaw

This can occur during any violent collision. It is common where the blow comes straight on or from the side. Sometimes it is not apparent that there is this type of damage.

The more common simple fractures of the upper jaw are due to sporting trauma or a fall, especially in the elderly. The more common lower jaw fractures are again due to sporting or falls and of course altercations.

The upper jaw will commonly have the cheekbone when you look at the patient seem depressed when compared to the other side. This is the more common injury around the house or sporting field.

The lower jaw tends to be fractured at either the condyle (the bit by the ear “jaw joint”) or at the angle of the jaw (where wisdom teeth are commonly situated).

What will you notice in the upper jaw:

Possible bruising, black eye, and tenderness if you gently press on the cheekbone just under and to the side of the eye.

What will you notice with the lower jaw:

Again tenderness when gently pushing the angle of the jaw or pushing around the earhole and in front of it. But most importantly you may notice that your teeth do not meet together as they did before and there is interference when you try and bite together.

REMEDY

  • Immediately go to Accident and Emergency at your local hospital and advise them of what you feel
     
  • Alternatively ring your dentist and again tell them what you feel
     
  • Do not take any pain relief as this may mask some of the tests the doctors or dentists may want to perform - HOWEVER if it is going to take 3-4 hours to see someone then do take pain relief