Dislocation of the jaw is a displacement
of the temmporomandibular joint. Fracture of the jaw is a break in
one or both of the two maxillas (upper jawbones) or the mandible (low jawbones).
Cause: Simple fractures or dislocations
are usually caused by a manual blow along the jawline. More serious
compound fractures often result from motor vehicle accidents.
Symptoms:
Dislocated or fractured jaw may show malocclusion
(most obvious sign);
Mandibular pain;
Swelling; ecchymosis;
Loss of function;
Asymmetry;
Possibly anesthesia or paresthesia of the chin
and lower lip with mandibular fracture, or infraorbital (lying under or
on the floor of the orbit) paresthesia with maxillary fractures.
Diagnostic tests: X-rays confirm
the diagnosis
Treatment:
As in all trauma, check first for airway, breathing,
and circulation. Then control hemorrhage and check for other injuries.
Surgical reduction and fixation by wiring restores
mandibular and maxillary alignment.
Maxillary fractures may also reconstruction and
repair of soft-tissue injuries.
Dislocations are usually manually reduced under
anesthesia.
Liquid diet
Pain medication may be ordered by doctor.