What to Expect When Recovering from a Broken Jaw

Life happens and it’s nearly impossible to know when something horrible would happen, such as breaking or fracturing your jaw. There are many different ways an individual could break their jaw, while unlucky coincidences do happen you are more likely to break your jaw by:

  • Falling off of a bike or motorcycle
  • Being hit in the face with a ball from any sport
  • Being involved in a car accident
  • Being involved in a physical altercation

While there are dozens of other ways that individuals have broken or fractured their jaws doing normal everyday activities such as taking a simple fall, we have found that the 3 mentioned above are the most common cases we see. Unfortunately, jaw fractures can be extremely painful, but should only be treated by a board-certified maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that your jaw is healing correctly.

If your jaw is broken or fractured it is very common to have your jaw wired or bandaged shut during surgery during the recovery time. For minor fractures or dislocations, it is more common to see bandages used for recovery. If the jaw was completely broken or if the patient is suffering from a large fracture it is much more common to see only wiring used to shut the jaw during recovery. Depending on the severity of the jaw fracture, it is normal for patients to have their jaws wired shut for anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. While not every patient’s recovery time is the same, it’s important to listen to your doctor and respect your limitations.

Warning Signs of Complications

If you have any of the following complications or signs of infection it’s detrimental to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Infection or complications can lead to much worse consequences if not properly assessed quickly.

  • Increased swelling
  • Redness
  • Bleeding inside of the mouth
  • Fever or chills
  • Bad smell coming from the mouth
  • Increased or excessive pain that is not treatable by ibuprofen

Facial traumas such as jaw fractures in the Inland Empire are serious injuries and should be treated as such. It’s important to visit your doctor or your local Emergency Room as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage that was done. Dr. Punjabi is a board-certified maxillofacial surgeon and has treated hundreds of patients that suffered from fractured jaws. If you or your loved one has recently suffered from a jaw fracture or a broken jaw, give our staff at Terracina Surgical Arts a call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Punjabi.

Regain your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life with Terracina Surgical Arts’ broken jaw surgery. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, like a broken or fractured jaw. But rest assured, our board-certified maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Punjabi, has the expertise and experience to treat jaw fractures with utmost care. Don’t delay seeking medical attention after a facial trauma—visit us or your local Emergency Room immediately to assess the extent of the damage. Our compassionate staff is here to guide you through the process and schedule a consultation with Dr. Punjabi.

The expertise of a board-certified maxillofacial surgeon is crucial for a successful broken jaw recovery. We are proud to have Dr. Punjabi, an experienced and skilled professional who understands the complexities involved in mandibular fractures and is dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient. Dr. Punjabi at Terracina Surgical Arts will carefully evaluate your condition and develop a tailored treatment plan that promotes optimal healing.

It’s important to note that immediate medical care is vital when faced with a potential broken jaw. Dr. Punjabi at Terracina Surgical Arts is the go-to expert who can help diagnose the exact cause of your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. A fractured jaw can be incredibly painful, so don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Punjabi and his team immediately.