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A broken or dislocated jaw is an acute condition that requires prompt examination by a health care provider because of the risk of breathing difficulty or profuse bleeding. A tube inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube) may be needed if the patient is having trouble breathing or bleeding profusely, or if facial swelling is severe and breathing difficulty is likely to develop.
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The jaw should be supported during transportation to the emergency room. This is most easily accomplished by holding the jaw gently in the hands. A bandage may also be wrapped over the top of the head and under the jaw, but the bandage should be easily removable in case the victim needs to vomit.
DISLOCATED JAW
The goal of treatment is proper positioning of the jaw's hinged ball (condyle) within the TMJ.
The health care provider may be able to manually replace the condyle into the TMJ. The thumbs are placed behind the back teeth on both sides of the mouth and the mandible is pressed downward firmly and steadily until it "pops" back into place.
Anesthetics (local or general) may be required to allow the strong jaw muscles to relax enough for manipulation of the jaw.
Stabilization of the joint may be required. This usually involves bandaging the jaw to keep the mouth from opening widely.
Surgical stabilization of the joint may be required, particularly if repeated jaw dislocations occur.
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