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Jaw fracture results in pain that usually changes the way teeth fit together. At frequent times, the mouth may not be opened wide or the mouth shifts to 1 side when closing or opening. In most cases jaw fractures occur in the mandible (lower jaw). Fractures which occur in the maxilla (upper jaw) can result in double vision due to the eye’s muscle attach nearby, skin numbness below the eye (because nerve’s injuries), as well as irregularity in the cheekbone that may be left when running a finger along it. Any injury causing jaw fracture can also injure the spine in the neck, so before starting treating a fractured jaw, x-rays of neck are performed to exclude spinal damage. If an individual suspects a jaw fracture, the jaw must be held in place with the immobile and teeth together. The jaw can be held with a hand or best of all with a bandage wrapped under the fractured jaw and over the head a few times. The individual wrapping the bandage should be very cautious not to cut off breathing. Medical attention is required promptly, because jaw fracture may lead to internal bleeding and obstruction of airway. The surgeon may wire upper and lower the jaws together; they can be wired for the period of 1.5 months in order to allow the bone to heal. During this period, the individual is able to only drink fluids through a straw. Most jaw fractures may be fixed by a surgeon with a plate (a piece of metal screwed on each side of the fracture into the bone); the jaws are immobilized for several days after so that soft meals may be taken for the few weeks. In children, many fractures of the jaw are not immobilized. Initial treatment allows normal activity and restricted motion to start in several weeks. In compound jaw fracture, when the fracture extends through the tooth or its stocket and opens to a contaminated region (like the mouth), antibiotics may be necessary.
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