Jaw Fracture In Adults

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A jaw fracture (frak-shur) is a break in the jaw bone. The jaw bone is made up of the upper and lower jawbone. A break may occur in either or both of these bones. It may take weeks or months for the jawbone to heal.

Causes: You may have broken your jaw bone from an injury or an accident.

Signs and Symptoms: Swelling, pain, bruising, or bleeding in the jawbone are signs of a fractured jaw bone. You may have pain in front of your ear or trouble opening your mouth.

Care: You may need an x-ray of your jawbone. Put an ice pack on your jaw to help lessen the swelling and pain. Acetaminophen (uh-c-tuh-min-o-fin) or ibuprofen (i-bew-pro-fin) may help your pain. Caregivers may give you stronger medicine if you have a lot of pain. You may need antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine if you have a break in your skin or gums. Surgery may be needed to fix your jaw fracture.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page