Final answer:
Mandibular fractures are characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty with jaw movement, numbness in the lower lip and chin, and possibly misaligned teeth, with treatments often including pain management and physical therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs and symptoms (S/S) of a mandibular fracture typically include direct pain at the site of the fracture, which can be quite intense and may make it difficult for an individual to pinpoint the exact source. Additional indicators of a fracture may include swelling over the area, deformity of the jaw, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, bruising under the tongue or along the gum line, numbness in the lower lip and chin area due to nerve damage, and misalignment of teeth. In some cases of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, symptoms such as headaches, difficulty chewing, and lockjaw may also arise due to different underlying causes like arthritis, overuse, grinding of teeth, damage to the articular disc, or jaw injury. Pharmacological treatments and physical therapies, including the use of bite guards, are common approaches to manage the associated pain and support healing.