What is the diagnosis for a broken jaw (mandible fracture)?

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Last updated: March 12, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

A diagnosis of a broken jaw (mandible fracture) should be made using a systematic approach, including a thorough medical and dental history, clinical examination, and radiographic assessment with conventional intraoral dental radiographs, as recommended by the study published in Pediatrics in 2014 1. The clinical examination should include a thorough evaluation of the face, lips, and oral musculature for soft tissue lesions, as well as palpation of the facial skeleton for signs of fractures. The dental trauma region should be inspected for fractures, abnormal tooth position, and tooth mobility.

  • Key points to consider in the diagnosis of a broken jaw include:
    • A thorough medical and dental history to gain information vital to urgent care
    • A systematic approach to assessment, including questions about the mechanism of injury, symptoms, and medical history
    • A clinical examination, including inspection and palpation of the facial skeleton and dental trauma region
    • Radiographic assessment with conventional intraoral dental radiographs to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the fracture
  • The study published in Radiologia Medica in 2019 1 recommends the use of CBCT in dental traumatology when clinical evaluation and primary radiographic investigations are not exhaustive for correct treatment planning, but this is not the primary diagnostic tool for a broken jaw. The most important consideration in the diagnosis of a broken jaw is to prioritize a thorough and systematic approach to assessment, as recommended by the study published in Pediatrics in 2014 1, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In cases where a fracture is suspected, immediate referral to a dentist or an oral surgeon is indicated for further evaluation and treatment, as recommended by the studies published in Pediatrics in 2014 1.

From the Research

Diagnosis of a Broken Jaw (Mandible Fracture)

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not discuss the diagnosis of a broken jaw or mandible fracture.

  • The studies provided focus on various topics such as ivermectin treatment for COVID-19 2, diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosis and management 3, policies for retractions and corrections in scientific publishing 4, searching the MEDLINE literature database through PubMed 5, and the health benefits of physical activity 6.
  • None of these studies provide information on the diagnosis of a broken jaw or mandible fracture.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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