Jaw fractures, or mandibular fractures, are common injuries resulting from trauma like car accidents, falls, or physical assaults, and they can cause significant pain, difficulty with eating and speaking, and potential long-term complications if not managed properly. The treatment approach depends on the severity and type of the fracture. For minor fractures, a conservative approach, such as closed reduction, can be effective.
This involves manually realigning the jaw without surgery, followed by immobilization using wires or elastic bands. Patients are typically placed on a soft diet to minimize strain on the fractured area. Pain management, including medications to reduce swelling and discomfort, is also crucial in this phase. In more severe cases, such as when the fracture is displaced, involves multiple breaks, or affects the alignment of the teeth, surgical intervention is often required. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common surgical procedure, where an incision is made to expose the fracture, realign the bone fragments, and secure them with plates, screws, or wires.
After surgery, patients may require antibiotics to prevent infection, along with follow-up imaging to monitor healing.
While the initial healing phase may take 6 to 8 weeks, some fractures may take longer, and the patient may need jaw mobility exercises or physical therapy to restore full function. Although jaw fractures often heal successfully, complications such as infection, nerve damage, malocclusion, or stiffness can occur, which may require additional treatment.
Proper follow-up and care are essential to ensure complete recovery and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Mayank Naresh Patil is MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and Implantologist, Fellow in Head and Neck Oncology. He has vast experience of more than 10years. Dr Mayank Patil is specialised in surgeries which involve removal of wisdom tooth, dental implants placement, removal of cyst and tumour of jaw, treating facial injuries, jaw fracture, oral cancer management, Tmj issues, esthetic surgery of jaw and sinus infections.
