A broken jaw is a serious injury that demands immediate medical attention. Ignoring it or postponing treatment can lead to lasting complications that affect your daily life. But what exactly happens when leaving a broken jaw untreated? Here, we’ll discuss the potential long-term consequences of neglecting this injury and why prompt care is required to ensure a full recovery.
Leaving Broken Jaw Untreated: Effects on Misalignment and Bite Issues
One of the most significant consequences of not treating a broken jaw is improper healing, leading to misalignment. The jawbone may not heal in its natural position, resulting in an uneven bite or jaw misalignment. This can make everyday actions like chewing and speaking painful or difficult. Over time, bite misalignment can also wear down your teeth unevenly, causing further dental issues that require correction through surgery or orthodontics.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort
A broken jaw that heals improperly often leads to chronic pain. Misaligned jawbones can put undue stress on the surrounding muscles and tissues, resulting in persistent jaw discomfort or headaches. This pain may worsen over time, especially during activities like chewing or speaking, affecting your quality of life. Untreated fractures can develop into more severe conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which often cause long-term jaw pain and restricted movement.
Leaving Broken Jaw Untreated: Increased Infection Risk and Its Impact
When a broken jaw is left untreated, there’s a higher risk of developing an infection. Open fractures or fractures near the oral cavity can expose the injury to bacteria, which may lead to infections in the bone or surrounding tissues. If not addressed quickly, these infections can become severe, causing further complications like abscesses or the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Antibiotics may be needed to treat infections, but in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove infected tissue.
Breathing Difficulties
The jaw plays a critical role in the structure of the airway. When a fracture is left untreated, it can alter the alignment of the jaw. This may narrow the airway and cause breathing issues. In severe cases, untreated jaw fractures can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition affects sleep quality and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems over time.
Speech Impairment
A broken jaw that heals improperly can have a lasting impact on your ability to speak clearly. Misalignment of the jaw or teeth can interfere with the natural movement of your mouth. This makes it difficult to pronounce certain words or sounds. Speech issues may not resolve on their own. They often require speech therapy or corrective surgery, which prompt treatment could have avoided.
Leaving Broken Jaw Untreated: Consequences of Tooth Damage and Loss
An untreated broken jaw can place additional pressure on your teeth, especially if the fracture affects the alignment of your bite. This pressure can lead to cracks, fractures, or even the loss of teeth over time. Jaw misalignment can cause uneven wear on your teeth. This increases the risk of tooth damage and may require extensive dental repairs later.
Get Immediate Treatment for a Possible Broken Jaw in NYC
Leaving a broken jaw untreated can result in a range of serious complications, from chronic pain to infections and permanent misalignment. Seeking medical care immediately helps avoid these long-term issues.
If you suspect a broken jaw, don’t wait—immediate treatment can prevent serious complications and long-term damage. At Dr. Alex Rubinov’s Midtown NYC dental practice, our skilled team in restorative dentistry is equipped with advanced technology to accurately diagnose and treat jaw fractures.
We prioritize your comfort and quick recovery, ensuring the best possible outcome. From minor fractures to more severe injuries, we offer personalized care to restore function and relieve pain. Contact us today at (212) 256-9546 or book your consultation online for expert treatment and peace of mind.
