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Warning-sign checks

Broken or dislocated jaw: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These concerns need timely assessment but are not always emergencies.

    Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, choking, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, severe confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating team promptly for increasing pain or swelling, fever, pus or a bad taste from a wound, worsening numbness, new difficulty opening the mouth, loose fixation, or a bite that is becoming less aligned.

    A jaw that dislocates again and becomes stuck should receive urgent medical care; do not try to force it back into place.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up visits allow the clinician to check the bite, wound healing, joint movement, nerve sensation, and any plates, screws, wires, or elastic bands.

The article also says

Keep all scheduled appointments with the surgical, dental, or trauma team.

Use the recommended food texture for the full period advised by the treating team.

Soft or non-chew meals may need to provide extra protein and calories.

A dietitian can help when eating is difficult or recovery will be prolonged.

Oral hygiene is important because food and bacteria can collect around wounds and fixation devices.

Follow the care team’s instructions for brushing, rinsing, and cleaning around wires or plates.

Avoid activities that could cause another blow to the face until the clinician confirms that healing is adequate.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Broken or dislocated jaw. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.