A fractured jaw typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the break and the treatment method. Minor fractures may be treated with jaw wiring, while severe cases often require surgery. Recovery involves a soft or liquid diet, limited jaw movement, and regular follow-up. Prompt treatment by a jaw specialist is essential to avoid complications like bite misalignment, infection, or long-term TMJ issues.
What Is a Fractured or Broken Jaw?
A fractured jaw occurs when one or both sides of the lower jawbone (mandible) are cracked or broken, usually due to:
- Physical trauma (falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents)
- Direct blows to the face or chin
- Severe dental or jaw-related conditions
It is one of the most common facial fractures, second only to nasal fractures.
Symptoms of a broken jaw include:
- Jaw pain, especially when opening or closing the mouth
- Swelling and bruising in the face
- Misaligned bite or difficulty chewing
- Numbness or tingling in the chin or lower lip
- Difficulty speaking or breathing in severe cases
- Clicking or grinding noise from the jawbone
Prompt diagnosis is essential. Most patients require X-rays or 3D CT scans to determine the extent of the fracture and the best course of treatment.
How Long Does It Take for a Fractured Jaw to Heal?
In general, a fractured jaw takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. However, this timeframe can vary depending on:
- The type of fracture: Simple (clean break) vs. complex (multiple or displaced fractures)
- Patient’s age and health: Younger individuals tend to heal faster
- Treatment method: Surgical fixation vs. conservative management
- Compliance with post-treatment care: Following diet and movement restrictions speeds up recovery
Most patients start feeling significant relief within 2-3 weeks, but full bone healing and jaw function restoration typically require up to 2 months.
Treatment Options for a Fractured Jaw
The appropriate treatment for a broken jaw depends on the location and severity of the fracture. There are two main approaches:
1. Closed Reduction (Non-Surgical)
This method is used for non-displaced or minor fractures. It typically involves:
- Wiring the jaw shut to immobilize the bones
- Use of elastics or splints
- Liquid diet for several weeks
Closed reduction is less invasive but requires strict jaw immobilization, and patients must follow care instructions carefully to ensure healing.
2. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (Surgical)
This approach is recommended for severely displaced, multiple, or unstable fractures. It involves:
- Surgery under general anesthesia
- Placement of titanium plates and screws to stabilize the bone
- Shorter immobilization time compared to wiring
Surgical treatment offers more precision and a faster return to function, especially in complex cases. It’s often performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in specialized clinics. In both approaches, pain management, infection control (if open wounds are present), and follow-up imaging are essential parts of treatment.
What to Expect During the Recovery Process
Recovering from a fractured jaw can be challenging, especially in the first few weeks. Here’s what patients typically experience:
Diet and Nutrition
- Liquid or soft foods are essential, especially in the first 4-6 weeks
- Nutritional support through smoothies, broths, and supplements is encouraged
- Avoid chewing, hard foods, and carbonated drinks
Jaw Movement
- Minimal movement is recommended early on
- In some cases, speaking may be difficult
- Gradual jaw exercises may be introduced under medical supervision
Oral Hygiene
- Use of antibacterial mouth rinses to prevent infection
- Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Swelling and Pain
- Most swelling subsides within 1-2 weeks
- Pain is manageable with prescribed medications
Follow-up Appointments
- Regular check-ups to monitor bone healing through imaging
- Adjustments to wires, splints, or elastics if needed
Proper recovery also involves avoiding sports, physical trauma, and high-impact activities for several weeks to months.
When Can You Return to Normal Activities?
Returning to normal life after a fractured jaw depends on the severity of the injury, treatment method, and how well healing progresses. Here’s what to expect:
Daily Activities
- Light activities (e.g., walking, desk work) can usually resume within a few days to a week, especially if no surgery was required.
- Speaking may remain limited if your jaw is wired shut.
Eating Normally
- Most patients can gradually reintroduce soft foods after 4-6 weeks, depending on healing progress.
- Chewing solid foods should be avoided until a specialist confirms full bone stability – often around 6-8 weeks.
Work or School
- Non-physical roles: Return within 3-7 days is common.
- Physically demanding jobs: May require 4+ weeks of rest.
- Students: Return within a week is possible, with dietary and speaking limitations.
Sports and Physical Exercise
- Contact sports or high-impact activities should be avoided for at least 2-3 months.
- Returning too early can lead to re-injury or delayed healing.
Your oral surgeon will guide you through a gradual return plan based on imaging and physical assessments.
Possible Complications if Not Treated Properly
Delaying or avoiding proper treatment for a fractured jaw increases the risk of long-term health and functional issues. Potential complications include:
1. Malunion or Misalignment
- The jaw may heal in the wrong position, leading to bite problems, facial asymmetry, or chronic discomfort.
2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
- Improper healing can strain the TMJ, causing jaw clicking, pain, or limited range of motion.
3. Nerve Damage
- Especially in lower jaw fractures, the inferior alveolar nerve may be affected, leading to numbness in the chin or lower lip (temporary or permanent).
4. Infection
- If there are open wounds or poor hygiene post-treatment, infections in the bone or soft tissue can occur.
5. Non-union (Failure to Heal)
- Rare but serious; the bone fails to unite, often requiring corrective surgery.
Early, expert intervention significantly reduces the risk of these complications and promotes long-term jaw stability.
Why Prompt Treatment at a Specialized Clinic Matters
Treating a fractured jaw is not just about healing a broken bone – it’s about restoring proper jaw function, facial symmetry, and long-term oral health. For this reason, it’s critical to seek care from a specialized clinic that focuses on oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Benefits of Expert Treatment:
- Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging like 3D CT scans
- Customized surgical planning based on facial structure and bite dynamics
- Access to multidisciplinary care (orthodontics, ENT, restorative dentistry)
- Lower risk of complications such as malunion or chronic TMJ issues
- Faster and more predictable recovery
At Hospitaprime dental clinic in Turkey, patients benefit from both medical and aesthetic considerations. The result is not just functional healing, but also a balanced and natural appearance post-recovery. If your jaw fracture is left untreated or managed by non-specialists, it can result in permanent bite issues, facial asymmetry, or recurring pain. That’s why seeing the right expert – as early as possible – makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a fractured jaw heal on its own?
Minor fractures may partially heal without intervention, but most cases require medical treatment to avoid misalignment and functional issues.
2. Is jaw surgery always necessary?
No. Closed reduction (non-surgical treatment) may be sufficient for mild, non-displaced fractures. However, surgical intervention is often preferred in more severe cases.
3. How painful is recovering from a broken jaw?
Pain is common in the first 1-2 weeks but is usually well-controlled with medication. Swelling and discomfort subside as healing progresses.
4. Will I need to have my jaw wired shut?
Possibly – depending on the fracture. Some patients require jaw immobilization with wires or elastics, while others are treated with surgical plates that allow earlier mobility.
5. Will I look different after healing?
In most cases, patients look the same or better, especially if the jaw was misaligned before the injury. Proper healing restores facial balance and function.
