A broken or dislocated jaw usually heals completely after treatment. Recurrence of a dislocated jaw is common.
Strong muscles extend from the mandible to the skull.
The most common cause of broken or dislocated jaw is accident or trauma involving a blow to the face. It may also result from assault. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing or profuse bleeding after a facial injury. The jaw should be supported during transportation to the emergency room. This is most easily accomplished by holding the jaw gently in the hands.