A broken jaw is easily treated.
A broken jaw can be severely painful. You can experience loose or damaged teeth, facial numbness on the side of the broken jaw as well as difficulty opening your mouth. Depending on the severity of the break you may also experience bruising and swelling of the face. Many complications can arise from a broken jaw, including difficulty in chewing and talking. You can also suffer from an infection in your jaw or face coupled with airway blockage. To prevent any further complications, seek proper treatment as soon as possible.
Instructions
1. Apply first aid. If your broken jaw does not receive instant medical attention, you are at risk of experiencing breathing problems and internal bleeding. Go to the hospital as soon as possible; on your way gently use the palm of your hand to hold your jaw in place. Alternatively, you can wrap a bandage over your head and under your jaw. This will prevent the jaw from moving and alleviate your pain. Ensure that the bandage is easily removed in case you may need to vomit.
2. Treat the broken jaw. If the injury sustained is small, you may only need to go on a soft foods or liquids-only diet. For added comfort, you may need to take some pain medication. However, if the break is moderate to severe, you may have to undergo surgery during which screws and metal plates are inserted to stabilize the jaw.
3. Wire your jaw. Your medical consultant may suggest that you have the jaw wired. The use of small elastic bands will hold your teeth together. During this time, you can only eat soft foods. The length of time the jaw will need wiring depends on the extent of the break, however, it is typically between six and eight weeks. After a few weeks, your doctor may be able to remove the rubber bands to alleviate stiffness and to give the jaw added mobility. Keep a pair of blunt scissors with you at all times, as you may need to choke or vomit. If the wiring becomes loose, consult your doctor immediately to avoid further complications.
4. Reduce the risk. A broken jaw may result in loose teeth or you may need to have them removed. During this time your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic such as penicillin or clindamycin to reduce the risk of infection.
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