Help: 6yr old python hurt himself eating, damaged jaw

[myanney]

My ball python Enzo just went through a shed cycle so hadn't been fed for two weeks. He normally eats every time I come home from college, which is every weekend. Today when I fed him he went too fast, missed and ended up slamming his face into the side of his enclosure. He then proceeded to eat, but I noticed after he'd swallowed that he was holding his head funny like he was uncomfortable. Took a closer look and there was an indentation in his upper jaw, right under his heat pits and about the size of one scale. No blood, but now it looks a bit swollen. I'm worried he broke that part of his jaw or at least a few teeth. Should I take him to the vet? He rubbed that side of his jaw against the glass after, so I know he was uncomfortable.
Thanks for any advice.

[Miko]

Yes, I think you should take him to the vet just in case if he seems hurt. It would be sad if it somehow got worse, plus it would help you if you knew what was going on. I don't have much experience when it comes to a ball python hurting their jaw... I hope the little guy is okay.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

They are not as fragile as you think.

I wouldn't worry about it at all unless it stops eating.

[redstormlax12]

I would wait a little. Might just be a fat lip. But in all seriousness I would give it a little. If it starts to cause him to not eat or drink then deffinetly take him to the vet.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I would say, if the area swells and doesn't resolve in a day, a vet trip is in order. You definitely want to catch it early if an infection sets in.
His rubbing his face against the glass was most likely part of realigning his jaws after eating, and didn't have anything to do with the possible injury.

[Maverick67]

Well I would take him eating right after this happened as a good sign. My bp had done this before but no damage was don. just keep a close eye on it and if it looks like its getting worse go to the vet. good luck

[myanney]

Thanks y'all- called home today and been told Enzo's face looks normal again! Very happy that no real damage was done and I was just being an overprotective mother Can't wait to see him this weekend!