What This Guide Covers
This guide walks you through the full process of jaw fracture care, from emergency evaluation to full recovery. It is written for adults and parents of children who have sustained, or may have sustained, a broken jaw.
A jaw fracture, also called a mandible fracture, is a break in the lower jawbone. The mandible is the largest and strongest bone in the face, yet it is also the most commonly fractured facial bone. [1] Fractures can range from a single hairline crack to multiple breaks that shift the bone out of alignment.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists trained to diagnose and repair these injuries. They complete additional years of surgical residency beyond dental school, focusing on the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the face. [3] You can learn more about this specialty on the oral-surgery page.
Below, you will find details on how fractures are classified, which imaging tests are used, the two main categories of surgical repair, dietary restrictions during healing, and realistic cost ranges.
Understanding Jaw Fractures
A jaw fracture happens when enough force is applied to the mandible to crack or break the bone. Common causes include falls, vehicle accidents, sports collisions, physical assaults, and workplace injuries. [1]
Types of Mandible Fractures
Surgeons classify fractures by location and severity. The mandible can break at several common sites: the body (the long horizontal portion), the angle (where the jaw curves upward near the back teeth), the condyle (the rounded top of the bone that connects to the skull), and the symphysis (the chin area).
Fractures are also described by how the bone pieces relate to each other. A simple fracture means the bone is cracked but still aligned. A displaced fracture means the bone segments have shifted apart. A comminuted fracture means the bone has shattered into multiple pieces. [1] Finally, a compound or open fracture means the break has torn through the gum tissue or skin, exposing bone to bacteria.
Among children, condylar fractures are the most frequent type. [2] In the adult population, the most common fracture sites are the condyle and the angle of the jaw, with rates varying across studies. A large multicenter review of 3,396 mandible fractures found the angle (25.1%) and condyle (24.5%) to be nearly equally common in adults. [6] In pediatric patients, special care is needed because the growing condyle plays a role in normal jaw development. [2] The type and location of the fracture directly determine which treatment approach the surgeon selects.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Trauma is the leading cause of jaw fractures. Motor vehicle accidents, interpersonal violence, falls, and contact sports account for the vast majority of cases. [1] The specific cause varies by age group and geographic region.
Certain factors increase fracture risk. People with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bone may fracture under less force. Teeth with large infections can create weak points in the jawbone. Patients taking medications that reduce bone density, such as long-term corticosteroids, may also be more vulnerable.
Children face unique risks because their jawbones are still developing. Pediatric mandible fractures make up a notable portion of facial fractures in younger patients, and the treatment approach often differs from adult care. [2]
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Jaw
The most obvious symptom is pain in the jaw that worsens with any movement. Swelling and bruising along the jawline or under the chin are common. Many patients notice that their teeth no longer line up properly when they try to close their mouth. This change in bite alignment, called malocclusion, is one of the strongest clinical signs of a fracture.
Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the lower lip or chin, difficulty opening the mouth, bleeding from the gums, and loose teeth near the fracture site. Some patients hear or feel a grinding sensation when they move their jaw. If any of these signs appear after facial trauma, seek emergency care right away.
What You Need to Know Before Treatment
Prompt evaluation and stable positioning of the jaw are the most important first steps after a suspected fracture.
How a Jaw Fracture Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam. The surgeon will look at your face for asymmetry, swelling, and bruising. They will gently feel along the jawbone for areas of tenderness, step-offs (places where the bone edge feels uneven), or abnormal movement. They will also check your bite alignment and test sensation in your lower lip and chin.
Imaging confirms the diagnosis and reveals the exact fracture pattern. A panoramic X-ray (a single image that shows the entire jaw from ear to ear) is typically the first scan ordered. In many cases, a CT scan (computed tomography) is also performed. CT provides detailed three-dimensional views that help the surgeon see displaced fragments, fractures near the jaw joint, and injuries to surrounding structures. [1]
For children, imaging choices may be adjusted to limit radiation exposure. The surgeon will use the minimum imaging necessary to plan safe treatment. [2]
Why Timing Matters
Jaw fractures are best treated within the first few days after injury. Bone edges begin healing quickly, and delayed treatment can allow the fragments to start fusing in the wrong position. This makes later repair more difficult and increases the risk of complications.
If the fracture is open (bone exposed through skin or gum tissue), infection risk rises with every hour of delay. Antibiotics are typically started in the emergency room, but surgical repair should follow as soon as the patient is stable. [5] Early treatment also reduces the chance of a long-term bite problem called traumatic malocclusion.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, the surgeon will review your medical history, current medications, and any drug allergies. Blood tests and, in some cases, a medical clearance from your primary care physician may be needed, especially if general anesthesia is planned.
You will be asked to stop eating and drinking for a set number of hours before the procedure, typically 6 to 8 hours. If you take blood-thinning medications, the surgeon will give specific instructions on when to pause them. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
What Happens During and After Treatment
Treatment involves realigning the broken bone and holding it in place while it heals. The two main approaches are closed reduction and open reduction.
Closed Reduction (Jaw Wiring)
Closed reduction means the surgeon repositions the bone without making an incision. Small metal bars, called arch bars, are wired to the upper and lower teeth. Elastic bands or wires then connect the upper and lower arch bars, holding the jaws together in the correct bite position. This is commonly called having your jaw "wired shut."
This approach works best for stable, non-displaced, or minimally displaced fractures. The wiring typically stays in place for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, you can only consume liquids and very thin blended foods through the gaps between your teeth or through a straw. [5]
Wire cutters are sometimes sent home with patients in case of an emergency such as vomiting. The surgeon will explain when and how to use them safely.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Open reduction internal fixation, or ORIF, is a surgical procedure where the surgeon makes an incision to directly access the fracture. The bone fragments are realigned by hand and then secured with small titanium plates and screws. These plates hold the bone rigidly while it heals. [1]
ORIF is typically recommended for displaced fractures, fractures in multiple locations, comminuted fractures, and cases where precise bite restoration is critical. The incisions are usually made inside the mouth to avoid visible scars. In some cases, a small external incision under the jaw or near the ear is needed.
One advantage of ORIF is that patients may not need to have their jaws wired completely shut. The rigid plate fixation can allow limited jaw movement sooner, and some patients progress to a soft diet within 1 to 2 weeks rather than remaining on a strict liquid diet for the full healing period. The titanium plates are typically left in place permanently, though they can be removed later if they cause discomfort.
Special Considerations for Children
Children's jaw fractures require a different approach because their bones are still growing. The condyle, in particular, has a growth center that contributes to the length and shape of the jaw. [2] Damage to this area can affect long-term facial development.
Surgeons typically prefer conservative treatment for pediatric condylar fractures, relying on a short period of jaw immobilization followed by early, guided jaw exercises. Open surgery in children is reserved for severe displacement or cases where conservative methods have failed. [2] Close follow-up over months or even years may be needed to monitor growth.
Recovery Timeline
Most jaw fractures heal within 4 to 8 weeks. [5] The first week is typically the most uncomfortable, with significant swelling, bruising, and difficulty eating. Pain is managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses.
By weeks 2 to 3, swelling begins to decrease and most patients find a routine with their liquid diet. Follow-up X-rays are taken around 4 to 6 weeks to confirm healing. If arch bars were placed, they are removed at this visit. The surgeon will then guide a gradual transition from liquids to soft foods and eventually to a normal diet over the following 2 to 4 weeks.
Physical therapy exercises for the jaw may be prescribed to restore full range of motion. Numbness in the lower lip, if present, usually resolves over weeks to months, though in some cases it can be permanent. Full return to contact sports or heavy physical activity is typically cleared at 8 to 12 weeks.
- Week 1: Peak swelling and discomfort; strict liquid diet; rest and pain management.
- Weeks 2 to 3: Swelling decreases; liquid diet continues; follow-up visit to check healing.
- Weeks 4 to 6: X-rays confirm bone union; wires or arch bars removed if used; transition to soft foods.
- Weeks 6 to 12: Gradual return to normal diet and activity; jaw exercises to restore movement.
Cost Factors for Jaw Fracture Treatment
Treatment costs depend on the fracture severity, the type of repair, the facility, and whether general anesthesia is required. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
A closed reduction with jaw wiring may range from roughly $2,500 to $5,000 when performed in an office or outpatient surgery center. ORIF with titanium plates and screws typically costs more, ranging from approximately $5,000 to $15,000 or higher. Cases treated in a hospital emergency setting or requiring overnight stays can increase total costs significantly due to facility fees, anesthesia, and imaging charges.
Medical insurance, rather than dental insurance, typically covers jaw fracture repair because it is classified as a traumatic injury. Contact your insurance provider before treatment to confirm coverage details, copays, and whether prior authorization is needed. If the fracture resulted from a motor vehicle accident, auto insurance or personal injury coverage may apply.
Some oral surgery practices offer payment plans. Ask the office about financing options if out-of-pocket costs are a concern.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
Any suspected jaw fracture should be evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an emergency medicine team as soon as possible. [5]
Go to an emergency room immediately if you experience severe jaw pain after trauma, inability to open or close your mouth, visible deformity of the jaw or face, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, or difficulty breathing. The ER team will stabilize you and consult an oral surgeon for definitive treatment.
A general dentist can recognize signs of a fracture and take initial X-rays, but treatment and surgical repair require the specialized training of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. [3] If your dentist suspects a fracture, they will refer you to a surgeon directly.
Even if pain seems mild after a facial injury, an evaluation is still wise. Some fractures, particularly non-displaced condylar fractures, cause only moderate discomfort initially but can lead to long-term bite problems or joint dysfunction if left untreated.
Find an Oral Surgeon Near You
If you or a family member has sustained a facial injury and you suspect a jaw fracture, locating a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the next step. Visit the oral-surgery page on My Specialty Dentist to browse oral surgeons by location, read about their training, and find a provider who can evaluate your injury promptly.
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