Some of the signs and symptoms of facial fractures are:
Pain
- Numbness of the lip, cheek, tongue, nose
- Change in the bite
- Visible step-off between teeth
- Deep laceration over bone
The principles of treatment for facial bones are the same as for a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bones must be lined up (reduced) and held in position long enough to allow them to heal (stabilization and/or fixation). This may require six weeks or more, depending on the patient's age and the complexity of the fracture.
Simple fractures are treated by "closed reduction," which means simple manipulation of the fractures segments without major surgery. These are usually stabilized by splints or other simple devices. For fractures of the jaws, this usually means "arch bars," which utilize the teeth for fixation.
The patient's jaws are "wired together" for about 6 weeks, during which time they are on a liquified diet.
This technique is appropriate for a majority of jaw fractures, and avoids surgery, which can cause scarring and can have a greater risk of complications.
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This patient has an obvious fracture visible between these two teeth. The fracture extends the entire width of the lower jaw bone.
This patient fractured his upper jaw in an automobile accident. Notice how his teeth no longer come together properly. (The white arrows should line up.)
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