Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Slideshow Pictures Take the Dental Health Quiz

Medical Author:

Samuel M Keim, MD

Coauthor:

Doug Smith, MD

Medical Editor:

Brian F Chinnock, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor if you feel that your teeth don't fit together correctly, if you have bleeding within the mouth, problems speaking, or swelling.

This injury is best evaluated at a hospital. Therefore, your doctor may advise you to go to an emergency department.
br />A potential but serious consequence of jaw fractures is a problem breathing due to loss of support to the tongue. Therefore, any signs of breathing problems need to be addressed immediately by calling 911.

Otherwise, most jaw injuries are best managed by going to the emergency department by personal vehicle. Remember, if you are the one who is injured, you should not be driving.