What Goes Into Fixing a Broken Jaw?
Posted on 3/2/2026 by Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery |
 Imagine this: you've had an accident, maybe a sports injury or something unexpected. Now, your jaw is broken. It's a serious situation, but understanding what happens next can make it less scary. Let's break down what it takes to get your jaw back to normal.
Diagnosis and Assessment
First things first, the medical team needs to figure out exactly what's going on. This usually involves a physical exam and, most importantly, X-rays or CT scans. These images show the extent and location of the fracture or fractures. Sometimes, a broken jaw is a simple crack, while other times it can be broken in multiple places or even dislocated. The type of break significantly impacts the treatment plan. The team will consider the location and severity of the break, as well as your overall health.
Pain Management and Stabilization
The initial focus is always on managing your pain. Medications will be prescribed to help ease the discomfort. The jaw may also need to be stabilized right away. This might involve wiring the jaws shut (called maxillomandibular fixation or MMF), or using temporary splints to keep the jaw in place until surgery can be performed. Stabilization is crucial to prevent further damage and to allow the bone to start healing properly.
Surgical Intervention
In many cases, a broken jaw requires surgery. The goal of surgery is to realign the broken bone fragments and hold them in the correct position while they heal. This is usually done using small metal plates and screws. The surgeon makes an incision, carefully repositions the bone fragments, and then secures them with the plates and screws. These plates are usually made of titanium, a biocompatible material that the body tolerates well. In some situations, dissolving plates may be used. These plates will be absorbed by the body over time, and do not require future removal. Once the bones are aligned and secured, the incision is closed.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After surgery, the recovery process begins. You'll likely have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medication will continue to be important. Dietary restrictions are also common. Initially, you'll probably need to stick to a liquid or very soft food diet. As the jaw heals, you can gradually introduce more solid foods. Good oral care is essential to prevent infection. You'll need to keep the surgical site clean and follow any specific instructions from your surgeon. Regular check-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and make sure everything is progressing as expected. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore jaw function, including opening, closing, and chewing.
Long-Term Considerations
Complete healing of a broken jaw can take several weeks or even months. It's important to be patient and follow your surgeon's instructions carefully. In some cases, there may be long-term considerations, such as the need for additional procedures or treatments. For example, if teeth were damaged in the injury, restoration dentistry may be required to repair or replace them. With proper treatment and care, most people fully recover from a broken jaw and regain normal function.
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