Reconstructive Surgery For Mandibular Fracture

The mandible, also known as the lower jaw, is a very common location for a fracture. A broken or dislocated jaw is an injury to one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The TMJ can be broken, cracked, or dislocated from the skull. We often see this injury resulting from sports, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and falls.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION to minimize complications and to help accelerate healing. An injury to the TMJ can result in difficulty breathing and eating.

How is a mandibular fracture diagnosed?

After a physical exam by a medical professional, a CT scan is necessary to evaluate the jaw for fractures as well as additional injuries to the face and neck.

What is the treatment for a mandibular jaw injury?

If your jaw is dislocated, it must be manipulated back into the correct position by a medical professional. At times this can be done manually, if not surgery is required.

If the jaw is broken, surgery may be required. Many jaws are bandaged or wired shut for a certain amount of time to prevent mobility and allow healing,

Dr. Boris Volshteyn is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial fractures and reconstruction. If you or your family member has suffered a traumatic injury to the face, please call our office (732) 641-3350