Jaw Fracture Repair for Dogs & Cats in Beaverton, OR
Jaw fractures are painful injuries that affect your pet’s ability to eat, drink, and close the mouth comfortably. At Premier Pet Dentistry, Dr. Martin has extensive experience in oral and maxillofacial trauma, including complex reconstruction, and uses techniques designed to restore a normal bite and a comfortable recovery.
Causes of Jaw Fractures in Pets
Fractures of the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible) are most often caused by trauma such as car accidents, falls, dog fights, kicks, and gunshot wounds. In small-breed dogs, advanced periodontal disease can weaken the lower jaw so much that a fracture occurs during normal chewing or a minor bump — known as a pathologic fracture. Oral tumors can also weaken bone.
Signs of a Jaw Fracture
- Inability to close the mouth or a misaligned bite
- Drooling, often with blood
- Facial swelling or asymmetry
- Reluctance to eat or pain when the face is touched
- Loose or fractured teeth near the injury
A jaw injury should always be evaluated as soon as your pet is stable. Your primary or emergency veterinarian will address any other injuries first.
How We Repair Jaw Fractures
Dr. Martin evaluates the injury with dental radiographs and, when needed, CT imaging to understand the fracture and the involved teeth. Treatment is performed through our oral surgery service and is tailored to the location and severity of the fracture. Many jaw fractures can be stabilized with non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques such as interdental wiring and composite splints that avoid damaging tooth roots and nerves. Others may need temporary muzzling, bone grafting, or other fixation methods. Treating damaged teeth through our endodontics and periodontics services is also part of restoring long-term function.
The goal of every repair is a comfortable, functional bite. Learn more about our veterinary dental services, our team on the Meet the Doctors page, or see all conditions treated.
Jaw Fracture FAQs
Is a jaw fracture an emergency?
Yes. Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian right away. Once other injuries are stabilized, the jaw fracture can be repaired.
Can small dogs break their jaw from dental disease?
Yes. Severe periodontal disease can destroy so much bone in the lower jaw that it fractures with minimal force, which is why treating dental disease early is important.
Will my pet be able to eat after jaw fracture repair?
Most pets eat soft food shortly after surgery. We provide detailed feeding instructions for the healing period.
How long does a jaw fracture take to heal?
Healing time varies with the pet’s age, health, and fracture type, but many fractures heal within several weeks to a few months, with rechecks and x-rays to monitor progress.
Will the splint or wires need to be removed?
Yes. Once healing is confirmed with x-rays, splints and wires are removed during a brief anesthetic procedure.
Do you treat pets injured by gunshot wounds?
Yes. Dr. Martin has experience reconstructing complex facial injuries, including gunshot wounds.
Expert Care for Pet Jaw Injuries
Call 503-PREMIER ((503) 773-6437) or request an appointment with Premier Pet Dentistry in Beaverton, OR . We proudly care for dogs and cats from Beaverton and across the Portland metro.