Can you fully recover from broken jaw?
The outlook is very good for most people who experience a broken or dislocated jaw. Dislocation and nonsurgical factures heal in four to eight weeks, whereas recovery from a surgical fracture could take up to several months. In most cases, the jaw heals successfully and there are few long-term effects.
How long does it take to recover from broken jaw?
For fractured or dislocated jaws not requiring surgery, the recovery period typically lasts four to eight weeks. Recovery from a surgical procedure could take several months. No matter the treatment method, for most patients, the jaw heals successfully with few long-term effects.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken jaw?
What can I do to manage a jaw fracture?
- Apply ice. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Eat soft or blenderized foods as directed.
- Clean your mouth 4 to 6 times each day.
- Do not play sports while your jaw heals.
- Do not put pressure on your jaw.
Can a broken jaw heal in 4 weeks?
Most jaw fractures are stable. They can be treated by wiring the upper and lower teeth together. This keeps the fracture from moving while the bone heals. The bone should heal in about 4 to 6 weeks.
How does it feel when you break your jaw?
Symptoms of a broken jaw include: Pain in the face or jaw, located in front of the ear or on the affected side, that gets worse with movement. Bruising and swelling of the face, bleeding from the mouth. Difficulty chewing.
How long does it take to recover from a broken jaw?
The average healing time for a broken jaw is six weeks. If the fractured segments of the jaw are properly aligned and undisturbed during healing, the jaw should heal and be as strong as in was before the fracture occurred.
Does a broken jaw always need surgery?
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to set the TMJ back into the normal position. Treatment for a jaw fracture or break might also require surgery , depending on the extent of the injury. Clean breaks may heal on their own while your jaw is immobilized.
How you can be affected by a broken jaw?
Many people who suffer a broken jaw develop numbness in their lower lip or even in their chin or tongue. There is a series of nerves that run through the mandible, and certain fractures can impede upon these nerves. Unfortunately, if the nerves are affected and you do not get proper treatment, it can affect your speech for the long term.
How long is recovery after jaw surgery?
Jaw Surgery Recovery. After surgery, your doctor may provide medications to manage your pain and instruct you on post-surgical care, including oral care, what you can eat, activity limitations, tobacco limitations, and work or school limitations. Initial healing generally takes about six weeks, but it may be 12 weeks before you are fully healed.
