WHY YOU WANT TO CALL US IF YOUR JAW HURTS AFTER FALLING DOWN
It is very important that you call us if your jaw hurts after falling on accident or because of an injury. The pain can be due to a broken or dislocated jaw and needs to be examined by our doctor.
Injuries to the Jaw
An injury to the jaw can happen after a fall. It can be severe if there is a broken or dislocated jaw, where one or both joints that connect your lower jawbone to the skull are damaged. These joints are called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. When you have a dislocated jaw, you can have problems eating and breathing and you should be treated immediately to avoid complications.
Symptoms of a Broken or Dislocated Jaw
| • | Pain and swelling to the face and jawbone. |
| • | Bleeding from the mouth. |
| • | Trouble breathing. |
| • | Pain when chewing. |
| • | Stiffness in the jaw. |
| • | Numbness of the jaw or face. |
| • | Pain in your gums or teeth. |
| • | Your teeth are out of alignment. |
| • | You cannot close your mouth all the way. |
Your entire face can swell if your jaw is broken or dislocated and it can be very painful. Speaking can be difficult and if the injury is severe you may not be able to move the jaw at all.
Treatment for a Broken or Dislocated Jaw
A dislocated jaw is usually an emergency treated at a hospital. You will receive a local anesthetic to help with the pain and your jaw will be manipulated to determine the extent of the injury. You may need to have your TMJ set back to the normal position. If the break is severe, you could need surgery.
Wiring your jaw shut is another option for severe injuries. In this case the jaw is wired with elastic bands and wires to keep it in place until it heals. The recovery can take time, so you will have to be patient, but don’t wait to come in so we can determine the best treatment.
