Maxillary fracture is a break in the upper jaw bone (maxilla). The maxilla forms the upper teeth, part of the nose, and the floor of the eye socket, so a fracture here can affect the mouth, face, nose, and eyes.
Common Causes
Road traffic accidents đźš—
Falls
Physical assault
Sports injuries
Severe facial trauma
Common Symptoms
Pain and swelling in the upper jaw or mid-face
Bruising around the eyes (“black eyes”)
Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
Loose or misaligned upper teeth
Nose bleeding
Numbness in the cheek or upper lip
Facial deformity or flattening
Types
Doctors often classify these fractures using the Le Fort classification:
Le Fort I fracture – horizontal fracture above the teeth.
Le Fort II fracture – pyramidal fracture involving the nose and upper jaw.
Le Fort III fracture – severe fracture separating the midface from the skull.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually confirm it with:
Physical examination
CT scan of the face
X‑ray
Treatment
Treatment depends on severity:
Pain medications
Jaw stabilization
Open reduction and internal fixation (surgery using plates and screws) in severe cases
Soft diet and rest during healing
Healing Time
Usually 4–8 weeks for bone healing if treated properly.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Immediate medical attention is needed if there is:
Difficulty breathing
Vision problems
Heavy bleeding
Severe facial deformity
