Our face is made up of a delicate structure of bones that help us eat, speak, breathe, and express ourselves. But like any bone in the body, facial bones can break—sometimes from falls, sports injuries, accidents, or even during physical altercations. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of facial fractures early is crucial for proper treatment and faster recovery.
Let’s walk through some of the most common types of facial fractures and the telltale signs they leave behind.
Maxillary Fractures (Upper Jaw)
These are more serious fractures involving the central face and are usually the result of high-impact trauma, like a car accident.
Possible symptoms:
Facial swelling
Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth when the mouth is closed)
Difficulty speaking or chewing
Nosebleeds or sinus issues
Numbness in the mid-face area
Due to their complexity, maxillary fractures often need stabilization with maxillofacial plates to ensure proper healing and alignment.
Nasal Fractures (Broken Nose)
The nose is known to be the most frequently broken facial bone. If you’ve ever been hit in the nose and felt a crack or shift, you’re probably familiar with the experience.
Symptoms include:
Swelling and bruising around the nose area and under the eyes
A crooked or flattened nasal bridge
Nosebleeds
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Sometimes the swelling can mask the true shape of the fracture, so medical evaluation is essential even if it doesn’t look broken right away.
Orbital Fractures (Eye Socket)
The bones around the eye are thin and can fracture from blunt trauma—like a punch or a ball hitting the eye area.
Common signs:
Black eye with extensive bruising
Blurry or double vision
Pain with eye movement
Numbness in the cheek or upper lip
The eye may appear sunken or out of alignment
Orbital fractures may not always be painful, but the visual symptoms usually give them away.
Zygomatic Fractures (Cheekbone)
A broken cheekbone can alter the symmetry of your face and is often caused by direct impact to the side of the face.
Symptoms might include:
Flattening of the cheek
Swelling and bruising over the cheek and under the eye
Limited ability to open the mouth
Numbness in the cheek or upper teeth
These fractures may require surgical intervention if they significantly affect facial appearance or function.
Mandibular Fractures (Lower Jaw)
A broken lower jaw can make eating and talking nearly impossible. These fractures are also fairly common and can happen from a fall or direct hit to the chin.
Look out for:
Pain when opening or closing the mouth
Jaw misalignment
Loose or damaged teeth
Swelling along the jawline
Bruising under the tongue (a key indicator)
If the fracture isn’t aligned properly, surgery might be needed to restore the jaw's function.
Final Thoughts
Facial fractures aren’t always obvious, especially when swelling and bruising take time to develop. But ignoring the signs can lead to long-term complications like nerve damage, chronic pain, or permanent facial asymmetry. If you or someone you know has taken a hard hit to the face, it’s always a good idea to get evaluated by a medical professional. The face is not just about appearance; it's essential to daily living, and protecting it starts with knowing the signs.
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