If you have a broken or dislocated jaw, it's important to seek medical attention right away. This is because you may have difficulty breathing or be bleeding. On the way to the emergency room, hold your jaw gently in place with your hands. When you arrive, the doctor or dentist will first attempt to return the jaw to its proper position.
They will do this by placing their thumbs inside your mouth on the lower teeth of the back and holding the lower part of the jaw with their fingers. Then, they will manipulate the jaw down and back until it is in its correct place. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need pain medication or sedation for this procedure. Afterward, a bandage may be placed under the jaw and around the back of the head to keep it in place while it heals. A broken jaw can cause pain and swelling of the jaw, as well as a feeling that your teeth don't fit together properly.
Additionally, you may not be able to open your mouth wide or it may move to one side when opened or closed.
