Jaw Fracture Surgery
Jaw fracture surgery repairs injuries and irregularities of the jaw bones, realigning the jaws and teeth to restore how they work and look after trauma.
Correcting Jaw Fractures
Jaw fracture surgery corrects injuries from trauma and irregularities of the jaw bones. By realigning the jaws and teeth, it is designed to improve both function and facial appearance.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you are asleep throughout. With the help of a skilled surgeon, you can expect treatment focused on returning your jaw to normal function and appearance.
Restored Function
Surgery realigns the jaws and teeth so they work the way they should after injury.
Improved Appearance
Repairing fractures and irregularities of the jaw bones can also enhance facial appearance, not just function.
Comfort Throughout
Jaw fracture surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, meaning you sleep through the entire procedure.
Why Jaw Fractures Happen
The most common cause of a jaw fracture is trauma to the face from an accident or fall. Fractures can also result from bone diseases such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to breaking.
Surgery repairs these fractures and helps restore the normal function and appearance of your jaw.
Surgical Techniques
The type of surgery depends on the severity of the fracture. For minor fractures, your surgeon may simply align the bones and secure them in place with wires or screws.
More severe fractures may require metal plates and screws to hold the bones steady while they heal. In some cases, a bone graft is used to help repair the fracture.
- Minor fractures: bones aligned and secured with wires or screws
- Severe fractures: metal plates and screws hold bones in place during healing
- Complex repairs: a bone graft may be needed to rebuild the fracture site
Jaw Surgery Recovery
Early on: expect some swelling and bruising around your face and jaw. This is normal and subsides over time.
First few weeks: you may have difficulty opening your mouth and need to stick to soft foods.
Throughout recovery: follow your surgeon’s instructions on incision care and which activities to avoid to ensure proper healing.