Fractures of the upper jaw (maxilla) may cause double vision (because the eye muscles are inserted near the jaw), numbness of the skin under the eye (due to nerve damage) or irregularity in the bone cheek can be seen passing the finger along it.

Any injury with enough force to fracture the jaw may also injure the cervical spine. Therefore, before treating a fractured jaw, neck X-rays are done to rule out injury to the vertebrae.

A blow powerful enough to fracture the jaw, can also cause a concussion or cranial bleeding.

If possible jaw fracture, keep in place the jaw with the teeth together and still, being able to hold the jaw with one hand or preferably with a bandage wrapped several times below it and above the head. Whoever makes the bandage should proceed with care, avoiding cutting of the affected breathing.

Medical care is needed as soon as possible because fractures can cause internal bleeding and airway obstruction. Once at the hospital is possible to fix the jaw parts together, leaving the fixings for 6 weeks to let the bone heal.

During this time, the patient can eat only liquid sucked through a straw. Many jaw fractures can be repaired surgically with a plate (a piece of metal that screw into the bone on each side of the fracture). The jaws are immobilized for a few days, then you can eat soft foods for several weeks.

Some jaw fractures are not immobilized in the children, the initial treatment allows limited movement and resumed normal activity within a few weeks.

Antibiotics are usually given if a compound fracture, that is, one that extends through a tooth or the socket and open to a contaminated area as the mouth.

If a permanent tooth is dropped altogether, call your dentist immediately and request an emergency appointment. It is very important to the injured person and the tooth, the dentist within 30 minutes after the accident and that, so it may be possible successfully reimplanted.If possible, gently place the tooth in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, soak in milk, salt water or saliva, in sufficient quantity to cover the tooth.

If you do not have any of these items, use plain water. You can also place the tooth between the cheek and gum (unless the patient is a child who may swallow it).

Loose tooth

If a tooth is pushed inward or outward, try to return him to his position by applying light pressure. Do not force the tooth in its socket. Try to move the injured person to the dentist as soon as possible. On the way to the office, stabilize and hold the tooth in place with gauze moistened.Cracked tooth
First, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Dental care is needed immediately. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and may range from polishing a cracked area, union with tooth-colored material and even the placement of a crown on the tooth. Had tooth nerve damage, probably will also need a root canal.

Soft tissue injury
The tongue, lips and cheeks may be bitten, cut or punctured. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, call your dentist immediately. You may need stitches. Otherwise, clean the area with gauze soaked in warm water or a clean cloth. Apply a cold pack to the injury or the inflamed area and call your dentist for further instructions.