Fractured Jaw
Surgery & Treatment
in Dallas–Fort Worth
A broken jaw affects your ability to eat, speak, and live comfortably — and requires prompt, specialized care. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide expert mandibular fracture treatment and broken jaw surgery at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
A serious injury that demands immediate expert care
A fractured jaw — also known as a mandibular fracture — is a break in the lower jawbone (mandible), the large U-shaped bone that forms the lower third of your face and holds the lower teeth. It is one of the most common facial fractures, typically caused by direct trauma from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, or physical altercations.
Because the mandible is the only movable bone in the face, a fracture directly affects your ability to eat, speak, breathe, and maintain a proper bite. Left untreated or poorly managed, jaw fractures can lead to permanent bite problems, chronic pain, nerve damage, and facial asymmetry. At DFWOMS, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained in the evaluation and surgical repair of mandibular fractures — restoring function, symmetry, and quality of life.
When to seek immediate evaluation
A jaw fracture is a medical emergency. If you or someone nearby has experienced significant facial trauma, seek evaluation immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Signs of a fractured jaw include:
Jaw fractures should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. Early treatment produces better outcomes — bones that have begun to heal in a displaced position require far more complex corrective procedures. If you suspect a jaw fracture, contact DFWOMS or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Where and how the jaw breaks matters
The mandible can fracture in several locations, and each presents unique surgical considerations. Fractures are often classified by their location and the degree of displacement:
What to expect, step by step
Our surgeon performs a thorough clinical examination of the jaw — assessing for fracture location, displacement, bite alignment, nerve involvement, and the condition of nearby teeth. Advanced imaging — including panoramic X-rays and CT scans — provides the precise three-dimensional picture of the fracture needed to plan the most effective repair.
Based on imaging findings and clinical assessment, our surgeons determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Minimally displaced fractures with an intact bite may be managed conservatively with immobilization. Displaced fractures, those affecting the bite, or fractures in high-stress anatomical locations typically require surgical repair for reliable healing and restoration of function.
For less severe or minimally displaced fractures, the jaw may be stabilized using arch bars, intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws, or elastic banding techniques that hold the upper and lower teeth together while the bone heals. This approach avoids surgery but requires dietary restrictions — typically a liquid or very soft diet — for several weeks during the healing period.
For displaced fractures, surgical repair is performed under general anesthesia — most often at Baylor University Medical Center, where our surgeons hold full privileges. Through carefully planned incisions (often inside the mouth to avoid visible scarring), the fractured bone segments are precisely repositioned and secured with titanium plates, screws, or wires. We work closely with orthodontic professionals when bite alignment must be restored alongside the fracture repair.
Post-operative swelling and discomfort are expected and managed with our opioid-free pain protocol. Dietary restrictions — soft foods progressing to normal diet — are maintained during healing. Follow-up imaging confirms proper bone union. Full recovery time varies by fracture complexity, but most patients return to normal function within 6–8 weeks. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and remains available throughout your recovery.
Expert broken jaw care in Dallas–Fort Worth
Common questions about fractured jaw treatment
You cannot reliably distinguish a fracture from a bruise or sprain without imaging. However, key signs that suggest a fracture include: a bite that feels different than before the injury, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, numbness in the lower lip or chin, visible jaw deviation or asymmetry, and significant pain with jaw movement rather than just at the injury site. If any of these are present after facial trauma, seek evaluation immediately. A panoramic X-ray or CT scan is the only definitive way to diagnose a jaw fracture.
No. Minimally displaced fractures where the bite is undisturbed and the bone is in a favorable position can often be managed conservatively — with jaw immobilization using arch bars or elastic banding and a restricted diet for 4–6 weeks. Surgical repair is indicated when the fracture is significantly displaced, when it has disrupted the bite, when it is in a high-stress location prone to non-union, or when it involves multiple fracture sites. Our surgeons will recommend the most appropriate approach for your specific fracture pattern.
Not necessarily. Traditional “wiring the jaw shut” (maxillomandibular fixation) is one approach to conservative management, but modern techniques have largely moved toward rigid internal fixation with titanium plates and screws — which allows patients to open their mouth sooner and eat soft foods more easily during recovery. When IMF is used, it may be with elastics that allow limited opening rather than rigid wiring. Your surgeon will choose the approach best suited to your fracture type and lifestyle needs.
Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks of surgery. Dietary restrictions — typically a soft or liquid diet progressing to normal foods — are maintained for 4–8 weeks depending on the fracture. Swelling and bruising peak in the first few days and resolve over 2–4 weeks. Full bony union and complete rehabilitation of jaw function typically occurs within 6–8 weeks for most fracture types, though complex cases may require longer. Follow-up imaging confirms healing progress.
Numbness of the lower lip, chin, or teeth is common after mandibular fractures because the inferior alveolar nerve runs through the jaw and can be stretched or compressed by the fracture. In most cases, sensation gradually returns over weeks to months as the nerve recovers. The likelihood and extent of recovery depends on the severity of the injury to the nerve. Our surgeons will discuss the neurological status of your injury at your evaluation and monitor nerve recovery during follow-up appointments.
Jaw fracture treatment is typically covered as a traumatic injury under medical insurance. If the injury resulted from a motor vehicle accident, auto insurance or personal injury coverage may also apply. We accept most major medical and dental insurance providers and Medicaid at all three DFW locations. Our team will help you navigate your coverage — contact us and we will work through the details with you before your appointment.
Restore your jaw — restore your life.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis provide expert broken jaw surgery and treatment — with the precision, urgency, and compassionate care your situation demands. Contact us today.