Jawbone Fracture Repair And Reconstruction

Have you ever had an automobile, sports, or work incident and experienced deep pain that prevented you from opening or closing your mouth? Well, we regret to inform you that you were facing a case of Maxillary Fracture. Therefore, we recommend treating it immediately, otherwise, it can cause serious problems for your health.

In some cases when this type of event is suffered, it is suggested to undergo oral surgery, resulting in the repair of these maxillary fractures. At our hospital, we perform this type of surgery, and it is simply based on the placement of plates, screws or pins (as the case may be) on the outside and inside of the jaw, so that, the teeth are stabilized in their corresponding place. These plates should be kept for about six to eight weeks, to later be removed.

Maxillary fractures can be easily diagnosed with an X-ray or CT scan of the head. Sometimes, the patient is recommended to ingest a liquid to make it easier to perceive.

What Is A Maxillary Fracture?

To enter into context, a maxillary fracture is the result of a strong impact received by an accident or physical attack, thus causing intense pain that prevents you from opening or closing your mouth normally, in the case of being in the maxilla lower. If it occurs in the superior, it brings with it the same consequences, but adding variations in sight such as: double vision, pain in the eyeballs, among others. However, the most common cleft is the jaw.

This fracture needs extremely careful examination, as such an impact may also have damaged areas such as the neck, causing cervical injuries, or may also lead to a concussion. In general, it is usually accompanied by internal bleeding that can clog the airways.

This type of fracture needs immediate medical attention and rapid immobilization of the jaw. During this immobilization, all teeth should be fitted in place before the bandage is placed around the entire head and under the chin. For a minor injury, the jaw may heal on its own with pain relievers and a liquid diet.

Are There Signs That I Have A Maxillary Fracture?

If at any time you receive a very strong impact in that area, in the following days you should take into account if you observe any of the following signs:

• You have bruises and pain near your jaw.
• Deep pain when talking or moving the teeth. Also in the front part of the ear.
• Loss of dental pieces or that are broken.
• Problems pressing the teeth or opening and closing the jaw.

How Is A Jaw Fracture Treated?

The most advisable thing is to go immediately to your trusted plastic surgeon in Malad. However, they generally recommend:

• Medicines: such as pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent or treat any type of infection.
• A wire brace: This is used to hold the jawbone in place. It is important, because it helps the bones to heal properly and quickly.
• Oral surgery: its function is to return the jaw bone to its original position, as long as the type of fracture is serious. This is done so that the parts of the maxillary bone remain fused. Artifacts such as plates, screws or pins are used. The surgery serves the same way to repair deformities or damaged tissues in any area of ​​the mouth or blood vessels.

What can I do to deal with a broken jaw?

• Ice – will help reduce inflammation in the fracture and prevent tissue damage. It is recommended to use an ice bandage and place it on the patient’s face for fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Soft foods: if you have wire restraint you should have a diet based on soft or blended foods, and ingest them through a syringe or straw. In other cases, it is also recommended to eat soft foods such as gelatin, yogurt, pudding or among others. For better information, consult your trusted doctor.
• Hygiene: you must keep your mouth clean and rinse four to six times, this will help remove food debris. Also, adding Vaseline to the lips helps prevent cracks.
• Do not practice sports: it is advisable not to practice any type of exercise because the jaw may fracture again, bleeding or bruising may occur at the height of the jaw.
• Do not apply pressure: whatever the case, do not exert any type of force with your jaw. It is recommended that you sleep on your back to avoid any accident.

When Should You Go To The Specialist?

In the event that you feel that you may have a maxillary fracture, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your trusted plastic surgeon in Mumbai. Also, if you experience any of these issues:

• You have shortness of breath or fainting.
• When you cough or breathe you feel a deep pain in your chest.
• If any of your limbs are swollen and tender.
• If you have a fever or headache.
• If you have a stiff face.
• If the pain does not stop with medication.
• If you have questions about your care.

How Long Does It Take To Weld The Maxillary Bone?

Under normal conditions, the maxillary bone heals in an average of two or three months. This is the same time it takes to heal any bone fracture, although the mineralization visible on X-rays takes many months longer and can take up to a year to recover.

• Postoperative Instructions:

Taking care of your mouth is of the utmost importance in order to obtain an excellent recovery. It is likely that during this process you may have swelling, some kind of discomfort or limitations when using your jaw, but you must understand that it is absolutely normal. Here are some instructions regarding some situations that could happen to you:

• Bleeding: remove the gauze one hour after surgery, not before or after. It is important that you do not spit, rinse, brush your teeth and do not use straws for the first 24 hours, as this could trigger bleeding. It is normal to present a slight bleeding. But, if otherwise, it is excessive bleeding, you should place a folded gauze or a wet tea bag on the wound and press constantly for 30 minutes.
• Pain – Take all medications as recommended by the doctor. If you experience any allergic reaction, discontinue use and do not perform any tasks that require driving after taking the medications.
• Inflammation: apply an ice pack to the maxillary bone upon arrival at home, at intervals of 20 minutes and continue with this recommendation for the next 24/48 hours. This type of swelling is quite common on the second and third day after the operation.
• Diets: It is recommended that the day after surgery you eat a fairly strict liquid-based diet and in subsequent days switch to softer foods. Usually your diet will go back to what it was before.
• Nausea: do not take the treatment without something in the stomach. If nausea persists with sips of carbonated water, this sensation disappears. You can then have a mild tea or clear soup, along with easy-to-digest foods.
• Oral hygiene: the next day you can gently rinse your mouth with a salt solution and repeat this step after each meal and at bedtime.
• Smoking: Smoking delays healing and can cause bleeding. Specialists recommend smokers not to smoke for at least 3 or 4 days.
• Rest: Avoid all kinds of exertion, sports, exercise, or physical activity for at least 2 to 3 days.
• Dental Care: It is usually feasible to avoid all routine dental care for a minimum period of 2 weeks, all this always under the direction of the doctor.
• Infection: Symptoms will be increased pain and swelling, warmth, drainage of pus, or fever. If you have these symptoms, call your trusted doctor urgently.

What Surgical Care Is Recommended?

This type of maxillary fracture harm the work environment as well as the social environment for the patient, for approximately ninety days. In addition to the hospitalization period that is between one to seven days. Among the most frequent surgical care are:

• Liquid diet during the first 48 hours and 1 week. Progressively changing to a soft diet after fifteen or twenty days.
• Oral rinses with antiseptic mouthwash.
• Radiographic controls.

We are not only care about your dental aesthetics, but also take care of solving each of your concerns, and any problem that may arise. We are available with the best of attitudes to help you and ensure your health. We are your best ally in those moments of uncertainty that may arise after suffering a maxillary fracture.