A broken jaw can sound scary, but it’s actually a well-understood injury that oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat regularly.
Jaw fractures can happen from falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or direct trauma to the face. The good news is that with proper care, most people heal well and regain normal function.
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, our oral surgeons treat broken jaw injuries for patients in SE Calgary, SW Calgary, NE Calgary, and Airdrie.
This article explains, in simple terms, how these injuries are diagnosed and treated.
Broken Jaw Treatment: Quick Overview
| Step | What Happens |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, bite feels off, numbness |
| Diagnosis | Exam + X-rays or 3D imaging to confirm the fracture |
| Mild Fractures | May heal without surgery using rest, a soft diet, and monitoring |
| Severe Fractures | Treated with surgery to reposition and stabilize the jaw |
| Anesthesia | Surgery is performed under general anesthesia |
| Stabilization | Small plates and screws hold the jaw in place while it heals |
| Recovery | Swelling and soreness improve over time with follow-up care |
| Who Treats It | Oral and maxillofacial surgeons |
Signs You May Have a Broken Jaw
Not all broken jaws look dramatic. Some fractures are subtle and easy to miss at first.
Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Swelling or bruising along the jawline
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Teeth that no longer fit together properly
- Pain when chewing
- Numbness in the lips or chin
- A clicking or shifting feeling when moving the jaw
If you notice any of these symptoms after a facial injury, it’s important to have your jaw checked.
How Oral Surgeons Diagnose a Broken Jaw
Oral surgeons start with a careful examination of your face, jaw, and bite. They look for swelling, tenderness, and changes in how your teeth come together.
To confirm the diagnosis, imaging is used, such as:
- X-rays
- 3D scans
These images allow the surgeon to see the exact location and severity of the fracture and decide on the best treatment approach.
Treatment Depends on the Type of Break
Not all broken jaws are treated the same way. Treatment depends on:
- Where the fracture is located
- How stable the bone is
- Whether the teeth and bite are affected
- The patient’s overall health
Some jaw fractures can heal without surgery, while others need surgical repair.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Broken Jaws
In certain cases, surgery may not be required.
This may be an option when:
- The fracture is small or stable
- The jaw is still properly aligned
- The bite has not shifted
Non-surgical treatment may include:
- Allowing the jaw to rest and heal naturally
- Eating a soft or liquid diet
- Limiting jaw movement
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing
Your oral surgeon will closely monitor progress to ensure the bone is healing correctly.
Surgical Treatment for Broken Jaw Injuries
When a fracture is more severe or the jaw is unstable, surgery may be recommended to restore proper alignment and function.
In simple terms, surgical treatment involves:
- Gently repositioning the jaw into the correct position
- Using small plates and screws to hold the bone steady while it heals
- Performing the procedure under general anesthesia so you are asleep and comfortable
The plates and screws are placed inside the jaw and are designed to stay in place permanently. Most patients do not feel them once healing is complete.
The goal of surgery is to restore:
- Proper jaw alignment
- A comfortable bite
- Normal chewing and speaking function
- Facial balance and appearance
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery varies depending on the type of fracture and treatment, but most patients can expect:
- Swelling and soreness during the first few days
- A soft or liquid diet while healing begins
- Gradual improvement in comfort and movement
- Follow-up appointments to check healing
Your oral surgeon will provide clear instructions about eating, activity, and jaw movement during recovery. Over time, most patients return to normal daily activities.
Why Oral Surgeons Treat Broken Jaw Injuries
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists trained to manage jaw fractures because they have advanced education in:
- Facial bones
- Bite alignment
- Jaw function
- Surgical repair of facial injuries
They focus on restoring both function and appearance, which is especially important with injuries involving the face and jaw.
Broken Jaw Treatment in Calgary and Airdrie
Calgary Oral Surgery Group provides facial trauma care, including broken jaw injuries, at multiple convenient locations:
- SE Calgary
- SW Calgary
- NE Calgary
- Airdrie
Patients are seen with or without a referral, and urgent injuries are prioritized whenever possible.
When to Seek Care
You should seek evaluation by an oral surgeon if you experience:
- Jaw pain or swelling after a facial injury
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together
- Numbness in the face, lips, or chin
Early assessment helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve experienced a facial injury and are concerned about your jaw, the team at Calgary Oral Surgery Group is here to help.
Contact us to book an evaluation at the location closest to you in Calgary or Airdrie.
