A number of clinical findings may be present in a patient with mandibular fracture, depending on the number and the location of fracture(s).
General appearance:
(1) unable to completely open or close the jaw
(2) asymmetry of the lower face
(3) deviation of the mandibular opening (seen with unilateral condylar fracture)
Bleeding and soft tissue findings:
(1) ecchymosis in the floor of the mouth
(2) soft tissue lacerations
(3) crepitus
(4) subcutaneous emphysema over jaw
Dental findings:
(1) malocclusion
(2) open bite or "gagged bite" (With bilateral condylar fractures the patient is unable to put the front teeth together because the posterior molars hit first.)
Neurologic findings:
(1) anesthesia of the lower lip or chin
(2) pain in mandible or adjacent soft tissue
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