Facial Trauma and Jaw Fractures: What to Do After an Injury

An accident, fall, sports injury, workplace incident, or assault can cause damage to the teeth, jaw, cheekbones, nose, or soft tissues of the face. Some injuries are obvious immediately; others become clearer over the next few hours as swelling and pain increase.

When I assess facial trauma, my first priority is safety: protecting the airway, controlling bleeding, identifying urgent injuries, and restoring function as safely as possible. A change in your bite, difficulty opening your mouth, loose teeth, or numbness after an injury should always be taken seriously.

When to seek emergency care

Go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services immediately if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or other signs of head injury
• Severe facial swelling
• A jaw that appears visibly displaced
• Inability to close your teeth together normally
• A tooth that has been completely knocked out
• Numbness of the lip, chin, cheek, or face after an injury

Facial trauma can involve more than the area that hurts. Imaging and a careful examination are often needed to identify fractures and associated injuries.

Signs of a jaw fracture

A jaw fracture does not always look dramatic. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty chewing, loose teeth, and a bite that suddenly feels “off.”

Other possible signs include:

• Pain when moving the jaw
• Trouble opening or closing the mouth
• Numbness in the lower lip or chin
• Bleeding inside the mouth
• A step or gap you can feel along the jawline
• Teeth that no longer meet in their usual position

If your teeth no longer fit together the way they did before the injury, seek prompt assessment.

How are facial fractures treated?

Treatment depends on which bones are injured, how displaced they are, your bite, and whether the injury affects vision, breathing, nerve function, or the ability to eat.

Some minor fractures can heal with a soft diet, pain management, and close follow-up. More significant fractures may need surgery to reposition the bones and hold them in place with small plates and screws.

For jaw fractures, restoring your bite is a central part of treatment. I assess how your teeth come together before deciding on the most appropriate plan.

What happens after surgery?

Recovery varies with the injury and treatment required. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are expected early on. Patients may need a liquid or soft-food diet while the jaw heals.

You may also need:

• Medication for pain or infection prevention
• Follow-up imaging or appointments
• Temporary restrictions on exercise and contact sports
• Oral hygiene instructions to protect wounds inside the mouth
• Coordination with a dentist, orthodontist, or other medical specialist where needed

The goal is not only to repair the fracture, but also to help you regain a comfortable bite, facial function, and appearance.

A note about timing

Facial injuries should be assessed promptly. Waiting can make treatment more complex if bones heal in the wrong position, the bite changes, or an infection develops. If you have had a facial injury and are unsure whether it is serious, it is better to be assessed than to wait.