What You Need To Know About An Injured Jaw
If you have an injured jaw you might be wondering what, if anything, you can do to fix it. In many cases you can talk to your dentist about jaw problems. They have the equipment and the expertise to diagnosis a myriad of problems. Here are a couple things you need to know about jaw injuries.
Is My Jaw Broken Or Dislocated?
If you injure your jaw you might be wondering if the jaw is broken, or simply dislocated. If the jaw is broken you will have a good deal of swelling, bruising and even bleeding from the jaw. In some cases you can feel the bone protruding from the jawline, if this is the case you definitely have a problem and should see a medical professional right away.
A dislocated jaw will cause a lot of pain, but you may not have as much swelling and bruising. Instead, you might experience pain in your ear, have a hard time biting down, or feel like when you do bite down the teeth don't line up. You can also look in the mirror and see if there is a visible change in your mouth shape. If the mouth is crooked, you probably have a dislocated jaw.
What Do I Do If The Jaw Is Broken?
If you have a broken jaw you should get emergency medical attention right away. In this case you should see a doctor, they will stop the bleeding, make sure that the airway is clear and set the jaw back into place. You may have to wear a brace for a while to keep the jaw from moving.
What Do I Do If The Jaw Is Dislocated?
If you have a dislocated jaw, you can see a dentist. A dentist has the right equipment to take x-rays of the mouth. In fact, their x-rays are probably more advanced and better at seeing the jaw than the kids of x-rays they will use at the doctors office.
If the jaw is mildly dislocated, it will probably correct itself and you will be prescribed pain medication. If the jaw is extremely dislocated, the dentist may need to reset it. This can be painful, but they should be able to sedate you or give you pain medication while they do it.
If you have an injured jaw and are in a lot of pain, it would be worth calling your dentist for dental surgery. They can help you know what steps to take to make sure you are safe.
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