Jaw injuries and fractures

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Jaw injuries and fractures

Luke has many years of experience in managing facial trauma including 3D reconstruction and secondary facial implants.

The bones and soft tissues of the face can all be damaged in the same injury and van involve the jaw, eyes, eye sockets, nose, mouth and cheeks. Examination, X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scan are the usual diagnostic tools. Surgery is often the preferred treatment plan.

Orbital floor injuries

Paper thin bone breaks and if untreated can lead to the eyeball sinking into the socket causing double vision, along with numbness of the upper lip due to nerve bruising. Mr Luke Cascarini has particular expertise in the treatment of orbital floor injuries using custom made 3D printed implants which may be used to support the eyeball and restore appearance.

Broken jaw

A broken lower jaw – the mandible – is painful and swells, making it difficult to open the mouth. Teeth may also have been lost or shifted, affecting their alignment

Breaks to the upper jaw – maxilla – are usually called facial fractures. Difficulties include pain, swelling, lost or shifted teeth and mouth opening issues. Often this leads to areas of numbness particularly on the upper and lower lip.

Maxillary fractures

Surgery is the only option if symptoms include vision problems, teeth misalignment, jaw opening issues, sunken eyeball, numbness, or physical appearance changes. If the fracture is mild, rest and a liquid or soft food diet is recommended. If further treatment is scheduled, swelling needs to subside before it can begin. More severe fractures require surgery to fix the bone in place with metal plates and allow it to heal. Very rarely the jaws may also be wired closed. To keep the mouth clean, a mouth rinse is used. When the wires are removed, exercises to strengthen the jaw help restore function.

Mid face fractures

There can be swelling and double vision with numbness, a sunken eye socket, teeth misalignment and problems opening the mouth. Surgery stabilises the fracture with screws and plates and re-aligns teeth or uses implants to replace lost teeth.

Dislocated jaw

This injury means it’s impossible to close the mouth and the jaw may be off to one side. It may be manipulated back into place or fixed with surgery, so the teeth are realigned, and the joint is back in position.