Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a broken jaw bone, also called a "jaw fracture." There are different kinds of fractures, depending on how and which part of the bone breaks. It might crack, break all the way through, or shatter. The edges might be lined up or out of line.
You probably have pain, swelling, or bruising over the area. You might have a cut on your skin or inside your mouth. Your teeth might not come together normally when you bite down.
How long it will take to heal depends on the type and location of the fracture.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment as instructed. You might need to see a surgeon. You might also need to see a dentist if any of your teeth became loose or fell out.
●If you were referred to a surgeon for a procedure, such as having wires placed to keep your jaw closed, you need to follow up. It is very important to do this on time, since waiting too long can cause your bone to set in the wrong position.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.
•The doctor might have given you antibiotics. If so, take them exactly as instructed. Finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
●Prop your head on pillows if possible, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over your jaw. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●If you have cuts in your mouth, ask your doctor about gargling with salt water. This can help the cuts heal.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●You might need to eat liquids or soft foods or follow a special diet for a while. Follow all the doctor's instructions.
●Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do. You might have to limit activity or movement until your bone is healed. Increase your activity slowly.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
•Have blood or fluid draining from your mouth
•Feel like you are choking
•Cannot eat, even with a special or soft diet
•Still have bad pain even after taking pain medicines
•Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Facial fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: Mouth and dental injuries in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Mouth and dental injuries in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: Full liquid diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Mouth and dental injuries in children (Beyond the Basics)
