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Painful Bump On Jaw After An Injury. Could This Be A Broken Jaw?
Hi. Last night, I was hit by the buckle of a seat belt while getting out of a car just on the side of my chin. Initially there was a little swelling, and a bump. Today, the swelling went down, but the lump is still there. It's about a half inch in length on my jaw line. There is no bruising so far, but it is in almost constant pain, and so tender, it hurts when something even brushes against it. My jaw is also a little tight. I can still talk and eat, but it feels like I'm clenching my teeth together, even when my mouth is open. Is my jaw broken? What can I do to ease the pain? I have a doctors appointment in one day, but what should I do until then?
posted on
Wed, 27 Nov 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 27 Nov 2013
Answered on
Thu, 28 Nov 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi and thanks for the question,
It is not very difficult to distinguish a trivial trauma, from a severe one that could accompanied by any fracture. Simple fractures usually arise from mild impact trauma, less pain and less swelling. Severe pain and swelling usually deserve exclusion of a fracture with the aid of an X ray. In case you have this pain for quite some time and the bump is painful and remains swollen, it is possible that this could a fracture. clinical evaluation from your primary care doctor however could be of great help first. Kind regards
It is not very difficult to distinguish a trivial trauma, from a severe one that could accompanied by any fracture. Simple fractures usually arise from mild impact trauma, less pain and less swelling. Severe pain and swelling usually deserve exclusion of a fracture with the aid of an X ray. In case you have this pain for quite some time and the bump is painful and remains swollen, it is possible that this could a fracture. clinical evaluation from your primary care doctor however could be of great help first. Kind regards
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