A Fractured or dislocated jaw can occur when a great deal of force is applied to the head or neck. Jaw fractures and dislocations are common in combat sports such as mixed martial arts, contact sports such as rugby, and traumatic accidents such as a motor vehicle collision.
A fractured or dislocated jaw may cause:
- Double vision or temporary vision loss
- Nerve damage to the areas around the jaw
- Disproportion of the face, specifically in the area of the cheek
A fractured or dislocated jaw is considered a serious, potentially life-threatening dental emergency that should automatically warrant a call to EMS. Because the jaw is located near areas of the head and neck that are susceptible to traumatic injury, and the force required to break or dislocate a jaw is substantial, following basic first aid protocol for head injuries and first aid protocol for neck injuries is imperative in this situation.
What to Do: Until EMS arrives on the seen, it is important for you to:
- Hold the jaw as steady as possible, while keeping the teeth together
- Avoid laying flat
If you suspect someone has a broken or dislocated jaw, call 911 immediately.
Source:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information - Second Home Edition. Urgent Dental Problems: Jaw Fracture. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec08/ch117/ch117d.html Accessed July 17, 2010
