Jaw Fractures: What You Need to Know
Jaw fractures are the most common facial fracture seen in the ER, especially among 21-30 year old males. Learn about the different types of jaw fractures, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.
BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist
Inspired by @BowTiedBull | I’m the dentist that doesn’t agree with the other 9 | Not Medical Advice https://t.co/qOk0jD3c7a | buy my toothpaste 👇
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You’ve caught yourself acting out of pocket after a few drinks and now you’re about to get punched in the face.
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
The jaw is the most common facial fracture seen in the ER across the country. Afflicting thousands every year, mostly from car accidents (punches are more fun though) pic.twitter.com/45C85kkZT2 -
If you’re in the 21-30 year old male demographic: congratulations, you make up almost half of all jaw fracture incidence.
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
Breaking your jaw can mean different things depending on the location of the break, and how severe it is. -
The damage from taking a punch is highly dependent on the location of the face.
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
Here is the distribution of fracture locations based on available data: pic.twitter.com/eHAfuJJZOo -
High level overview of the risks with each location (inb4 the oral surgeons come in here and roast me for being too reductive)
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
Symphisis: realignment to reposition teeth, low-ish risk for long term damage than other locations
Body: same as above, usually messes with your bite… pic.twitter.com/VkpyBeDWVJ -
How it’s treated:
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
There are two ways to heal a broken jaw
Open vs closed
Open involves “opening” you up and putting metal plates that secure the broken bone fragments.
Closed involves closing your jaw shut to stabilize the joint for weeks (Kanye) pic.twitter.com/Iv3XgnqDQW -
The decision to treat open versus closed depends on the severity and location of the fracture and is determined individually, usually when the break is more severe. pic.twitter.com/RexAiXRMKx
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023 -
Regardless of open vs closed reduction of the jaw, recovery is not short.
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
It usually takes 2 months to fully heal from these fractures (everyone heals at different rates)
If you’re wired shut, that’s a long time to eat a boost for breakfast and ensure for dessert. pic.twitter.com/8ja5wukZw1 -
If you’re gonna get featured on @FightHaven, make sure you come correct otherwise you may find yourself with a broken jaw.
— BowTiedGator | Degen Dentist (@BowTiedGatorDDS) April 4, 2023
Even after healing you may be left with an altered bite, joint issues, and nerve damage.