“Wiring a broken jaw”
My sister broke her jaw in gymnastics. It has been wired shut. I know the wires will be in about 6 weeks but how long until she is fully recovered?
17 Answers
Usually a bone fracture would take up to 6 months to fully heal
Anywhere from 3 to 6 months if all instructions are followed.
Broken jaw usually associates with broken ligament too. After bone heal, she needs to heal ligaments. It is long term process. I suggest her to seek prolotherapy, if her jaw pain persists for more than three months.
Dr. Li
Dr. Li
Steven M. Simon
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
6-12 weeks assuming she has normal bone healing
I do hope she will be well and will be able to be placed on a graduated feeding programme after six weeks. The maxillary- facial doctors, who did the operation would be helpful to give you the needed answers.
I will have to defer you to the surgeon for this question, whether it was an orthopedist or ENT who managed her care.
I would recommend talking to the surgeon, as it probably depends on the severity of the surgery.
That is a difficult question. Age is an important factor, as is the type of fracture she suffered. It would be important to know these things. Has her oral surgeon discussed the length of time to recovery with you?
Sounds like your sister is younger so healing is on her side there is an abundance supply of blood to the head and neck area without complications about 3 months but that is an average it can be longer hope all goes well
Timmy Hieu Truong
Dentist
The recovery from surgery and healing process is varies from person to person, depending on a lot of factors: medical history, their daily activity, age, and the severity of the injury as well. If her jaw was wired shut for 6 weeks and can be longer depending on the follow up visit with her surgeons. Since she is a gymnast, I would consider she a healthy young person which probably will speed up the healing process. Its all depending her compliance in following all the post surgery instructions that was giving by her surgeon, but the average time to fully recovered can take up to one year. Make sure she stays in touch with her surgeons in monitoring her recovery process and trust the surgeon recommendations. Following the post operative care instructions is extremely important for optimal recovery. Im sorry and its an unfortunate event, but thanks for your question and I wish your sister well and on her way to a successful recovery so that she can return to her normal activities. Being an athlete myself, I know how it feels to not be able to train for a period of time. Stay strong!
That is hard to say. I would speak to her surgeons about that question. It will usually take a few months to recover but every procedure is different and the surgeons should be able to give you a more accurate estimate
Damien Daniel
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
Being fully recovered is difficult to predict as some people may never achieve that after such an injury if it is severe enough. However, if your sister's jaw has been wired shut rather than required full reconstructive surgery, that is a positive sign. The 6 weeks is just to let the bones heal. After the 6 weeks the jaw will be stiff and it will take time to get back to where it was. She may require some physical therapy to improve her mouth opening range and strength. At times people get issues with their Temperomandibular joints (TMJs) which are the small joints on the side of your face that move the jaw. There are physical therapists that specialise in this area. Some people regain their function but may have the odd, fairly rare issue such as subluxing the TMJ (a partial dislocation that goes back in immediately - not dangerous but painful). All in all most people who have an injury that requires wiring of their jaw do make a full recovery. I'd estimate 12 weeks as an average, depending on whether you need physical therapy or not.
Jaw fractures are generally healed within the first 6 weeks, but any broken bone will remain weakened and at risk of additional fractures for up to several months afterwards. It takes a long time for bone to heal completely. My answer is based on typical cases, for the specifics of her case and recovery, your sister should contact her oral surgeon for more specific information. In particular, she should seek the opinion of her oral surgeon as to when she can resume gymnastics or other rigorous activity that could put the healing jaw at risk or under stress.
On other thing your sister should know to look for is bite changes once her wires are removed. It is not uncommon for a patient’s bite to feel different after a jaw fracture, and sometimes a dentist or orthodontist can help to restore the normal bite.
Thanks for your question,
Dr. John Lazzara
On other thing your sister should know to look for is bite changes once her wires are removed. It is not uncommon for a patient’s bite to feel different after a jaw fracture, and sometimes a dentist or orthodontist can help to restore the normal bite.
Thanks for your question,
Dr. John Lazzara
This is a question for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
I am an orthodontist... my guess is that it varies from patient to patient for many different reasons, such as age. Being younger, your sister will likely fully recover more quickly than an older patient.
Wishing a speedy recovery for her!!
Dr. Logeman
I am an orthodontist... my guess is that it varies from patient to patient for many different reasons, such as age. Being younger, your sister will likely fully recover more quickly than an older patient.
Wishing a speedy recovery for her!!
Dr. Logeman
She will likely have soreness even after the wires are removed. But children heal quickly and by 3 months out, she should be fully recovered. And don't be surprised if it is sooner.
Hello,
Sorry to hear about your sister. To answer, it really depends on what type of break it was. Most fractures of the jaw due to impact occur along the condyle, or the part of the jaw that pivots; which is actually the weakest point of the mandible. At 6 weeks, the bone is only partially healed. It usually takes 3-6 months for the bone to heal to the point where it is not still fragile. The oral surgeon will most likely prescribe some jaw "exercises" that will aid in healing. You can always ask the surgeon about the exact healing times. It is very important for your sister to follow this regimen, or additional surgeries or braces to realign the teeth may be needed.
Hope this helps!
Sorry to hear about your sister. To answer, it really depends on what type of break it was. Most fractures of the jaw due to impact occur along the condyle, or the part of the jaw that pivots; which is actually the weakest point of the mandible. At 6 weeks, the bone is only partially healed. It usually takes 3-6 months for the bone to heal to the point where it is not still fragile. The oral surgeon will most likely prescribe some jaw "exercises" that will aid in healing. You can always ask the surgeon about the exact healing times. It is very important for your sister to follow this regimen, or additional surgeries or braces to realign the teeth may be needed.
Hope this helps!
The oral surgeon that performed the surgery would be the best person to contact as they know the severity of the break and her situation.
