Broken jaw treatment in Dubai — assessment, fixation and recovery

Key facts

• Pain, swelling, a changed bite and limited opening suggest a fracture
• Head injury, breathing or swallowing problems need emergency care first
• CBCT or hospital CT confirms the fracture pattern
• Displaced fractures usually need fixation with plates in a hospital
• Bone healing typically takes around six weeks on a soft diet

Signs of a broken jaw

Typical signs include pain in front of the ear or along the jaw that worsens with chewing or talking, swelling and bruising of the face or under the tongue, and a bite that feels different, as if the teeth no longer meet properly. Opening the mouth may be limited or the jaw may shift to one side. Some people notice numbness of the lower lip, chin or teeth, bleeding from the mouth or ear, loose or broken teeth, or a step felt along the jawbone. A dislocated jaw can also lock the mouth open. Any of these after facial trauma should be assessed the same day.

Emergency first steps

Jaw injuries can occur alongside head, neck or eye injuries. Go to an emergency department immediately or call an ambulance if there is loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, neck pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, clear fluid from the nose or ears, or visual changes. While waiting, support the jaw gently with a hand or bandage around the head, apply cold to reduce swelling, and keep the airway clear by leaning forward if bleeding into the mouth. Do not try to realign the jaw. Keep any knocked-out adult teeth in milk and bring them with you.

How a jaw fracture is assessed

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon examines the face, jaw joints, bite, teeth and nerves, and checks for associated injuries to the cheekbones and eye socket. Imaging confirms the fracture: CBCT gives detailed 3D views of the jaw and teeth, and in more extensive facial trauma, a hospital CT scan is used. The surgeon looks at where the fracture is, whether the pieces have moved, whether teeth are involved in the fracture line, and how the bite has changed. This determines whether the fracture can be managed without surgery or needs fixation in a hospital setting.

Treatment options

Stable, non-displaced fractures with a normal bite can sometimes be managed with a soft or blended diet, pain relief, close monitoring and, if needed, antibiotics. Displaced fractures usually require surgery to realign the bone and hold it with small titanium plates and screws, known as open reduction and internal fixation, which is carried out under general anaesthesia in a hospital. In some cases, wires or elastic bands between the teeth are used for a short period to hold the bite. Associated dental injuries, such as broken or loose teeth, are treated as part of the plan. Dr. Al-Khan coordinates referral when hospital treatment is required.

Recovery and follow-up

Bone healing typically takes around six weeks, with soft food during this time and gradual return to normal chewing as advised. Swelling usually peaks in the first few days and settles over one to two weeks. Keeping the mouth clean is important, using a soft brush and prescribed mouthwash. Avoid contact sports until cleared. Numbness of the lip or chin, if present, often improves over months, though recovery varies. Follow-up visits check bone healing, the bite and nerve recovery. Any increasing pain, swelling, fever, discharge or a change in bite during recovery should be reported promptly.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth and jaws that go beyond routine dentistry: impacted teeth, cysts and benign lesions, jaw injuries, and preparation of bone for implants.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.