Mandibular fractures

Signs and Symptoms of Mandibular Fracture

• Paraesthesia or anaesthesia along the distribution of the inferior dental and mental nerve (same side lower teeth and lower lip)
• Inspection
  • Step deformity of the occlusion or on external palpation of the mandible
  • Loss of normal mandibular arch form
  • Dental malocclusion/abnormal bite, if bilateral may be an Anterior Open Bite
  • Sub-lingual haematoma (look under the tongue(
  • Bleeding or tear in gingivae
  • Missing or loose teeth
• Palpation
  • Mobility of segments
  • Step defects in buccal or lingual sulci

Patients with a suspected mandibular fracture should be referred to the local emergency department for further assessment, investigation and treatment.