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  • Jaw or Facial Bone Fractures

Jaw or Facial Bone Fractures

Also called: Broken jaw


Fractures of the bones of the face, especially the jaw, are very common injuries. Facial fractures are typically caused by direct force to the bone. 

The most common causes are:

  • Assault
  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Sports injury
  • Falls
  • Industrial accident

Signs and symptoms will depend on the bone that is fractured. Nasal fractures cause nosebleeds, swelling, pain and make it difficult to breathe. Cheekbone fractures and those of the eye sockets cause double vision, pain, swelling and numbness to the upper lip. The most common symptoms of a fractured jaw are pain, swelling of the face, numbness to the lip or chin, an abnormal bite and bleeding from the mouth. Another potential result of a jaw fracture is problems breathing due to loss of support to the tongue.

A broken jaw will be diagnosed by your doctor with a physical examination or X-ray.

If you have a facial-bone fracture that is causing functional or cosmetic problems, you will need to undergo jaw surgery to re-align the bone to stabilize it to promote healing. Most commonly, patients who require treatment will be admitted to the hospital for surgical treatment.

After healing, replacement of lost bone and/or teeth can be provided.


Digital image of patient's jaw bone fracture injury. Jaw surgery will be needed.

 

Learn more about facial trauma

Available Practices

The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty & Resident Clinic

We offer surgical services for those who need removal of teeth, replacement of teeth with dental implants, correction of their bites and facial cosmetic surgery. Top services: dental implants, TMJ (jaw joint) treatment, wisdom teeth removal, extractions, bone grafts and cleft lip and palate treatment.

Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice

Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice

Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Make an Appointment

UT Health San Antonio<br />
Dentistry 8210 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78229

UT Health San Antonio
Dentistry

8210 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-3700

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