AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor at State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Date: 6/21/2008 Subject: Lasting pain and discomfort after broken jaw
Question I fell on my chin 4 weeks ago and broke my jaw on the right side. The bone is in the joint and my mouth didn't have to be wired shut. I had intense pain about a week after the break that lasted about 5 days. Since then the jaw does not hurt as much but it feels very uncomfortable. I feel like I have to keep swallowing or drinking liquids for my mouth to feel normal. I have not been doing any chewing since the jaw was broken. I would like to know if this sensation of needing to swallow as if there is something foreign in mouth is to be expected. My oral surgeon is not very sympathetic. When I was in a lot of pain he told me that I would have to live with it or he would wire my jaw shut.
Answer Nancy - First of all, let me know if the fracture of the jaw in the joint is separated at all or if it is just cracked? In the joint area there is attachment of muscles. At least one of the muscles in the area helps in the swallowing function. If the area is inflamed it can definitely affect your swallowing. The sensation you might feel might feel like something is stuck in you throat.
So get back to me and let me know if there is bone separation. Also you say it is in the joint, but is it in the neck of the joint or is it in the ball (the only part of the jaw in the joint)? Get back to me and let me know.
