i think i may have a fractured jaw? or something..?

Question

i got punched in the jaw about a month ago.... it didnt feel like it was broken , just bit the inside of my cheek a bit , i was able to eat and open my mouth , but the next day it felt like the muscle had swollen , like reallly hard , and it was stopping me from opening wide.... i thought it may just be swelling so i left it like that for 3 weeks, since then its only gotten worse... i can only open my mouth about 1 cm.... i can chew , and my jaw doesnt hurt, but when i try to open wide it feels like theres a not or something in my muscle.... i went to the DOC and she said that she couldnt do anything... that it looked like a cyst or blood clot and that if it doesnt get better within a month to go see a specialist.... that wasnt really helpfull and it still hasnt gotten any better , i cant fit anything in my mouth ... only spaghetti, will i ever be able to open my mouth again :S


if you took the time to read this... thank you so much , any advice or opinions would be great ..

Answer 1

You could have a broken jaw or "just" a muscle spasm. If you do not have a dentist to consult, I'd suggest that you just start with an oral surgeon where they will take a panoramic x-ray for starters. Don't worry about them being "surgeons." If you have muscle spasm, they will know how to treat that non-surgically. Your jaw may not be broken, but it may be "off the hinge" with an injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Oral surgeons are also qualified to treat this or refer appropriately. A month of pain and 1 cm opening is too long to wait to see what's wrong. You need attention before this becomes a permanent disfigurement.

Answer 2

Try taking Ibuprofen, following label instruction, this will reduce inflammation and swelling.
Use Asparcream on the outside to help with the pain.

For the time being liquid would be the way to go. Make protein drinks to keep your protein levels up.

A Dentist would be able to take X-rays to see what the problem might be since the Dr wasn't helpful.