Key Takeaways
- Jaw dislocation causes the lower jawbone to become dislodged, causing pain when attempting to close the mouth.
- Jaw dislocation may be caused by physical trauma or opening the mouth too wide.
- Some people may be more prone to having jaw dislocation, such as people with arthritis or an overly shallow jaw joint socket.
- Depending on your condition, you may be recommended for an open or closed jaw reduction.
- After the jaw reduction procedure, you may have to use a mouthguard to support recovery.
What is Jaw Dislocation?
Jaw dislocation is a condition in which the lower jawbone shifts or becomes dislodged from one or both sides of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). As all parts of the TMJ work together to support jaw movement, jaw dislocation can cause significant discomfort when attempting to open and close the mouth. Here are the causes of jaw dislocation, what you need to do, and available TMJ dislocation treatments that you may need to address the condition.
Causes of Jaw Dislocation
Jaw dislocation can be considered acute if it occurs suddenly or chronic if it develops gradually over time and is not properly treated. In general, the causes of acute jaw dislocation include:
- Physical trauma to the face
- Seizures
- Severe vomiting
- Opening the mouth too wide when eating, yawning, or laughing
- Keeping the mouth open for too long
- Complications from the insertion of a breathing aid
You are also more likely to get a dislocated jaw if you have certain conditions, such as:
- Arthritis in the jaw
- Overly shallow jaw joint socket (mandibular fossa)
- A history of jaw injuries
- Bruxism
- Certain connective tissue syndromes that cause the joints to be overly loose, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
What to Do When Having Jaw Dislocation
If you have dislocated your jaw, seek attention from the nearest dentist, TMJ specialist or hospital ER immediately and do not attempt to reposition your jaw on your own.
Once you arrive at the medical facility, the TMJ dislocation treatment involves a complete examination of the dislocation, including image scans to identify an isolated mandibular dislocation. A visit to a surgeon at an oral maxillofacial specialist clinic may be recommended if the condition is linked with fractures and persistent dislocations.
In general, setting the dislocated joint back is known as “reduction” and there are two primary methods of TMJ dislocation treatment. The first is reduction while you are awake and the second is reduction while you are asleep. Normally, reduction while awake is typically recommended as the first-line treatment in the dental clinic, OMS clinic or emergency department for acute, recent dislocations. Local anesthesia, may be required. If trauma to the facial region including the TMJ or chin precedes the dislocation, or if the jaw cannot be reduced under local anaesthesia while awake, further imaging including dental x-rays such as an oral pantomogram (OPG) or a cone Beam CT may be required. Reduction of the dislocation may then be carried out while the patient is sedated or under general anaesthesia.
On the other hand, if there is a fracture to the TMJ or other parts of the jaw, the fracture can be fixed via closed and open reduction. Closed reduction is indicated when there is no need for surgery and the teeth are guided into proper bite and kept in the position for approximately 2 weeks. Open reduction is indicated when there are bilateral TMJ farctures and an open surgery of the fractured site/ sites is carried out to repair the fracture/s. This will involve the placement of Titanium plates and screws.
After the TMJ dislocation treatment, you may be given medicines and a cold pack to soothe the pain. You are also advised to consume soft meals, as this prevents excessive jaw movement. A mouthguard may also be prescribed for nighttime use to avoid teeth grinding and relax the jaw.
FAQs About Jaw Dislocation Treatment
How do I know if I have dislocated my jaw?
You may have a dislocated jaw if your jaw is stuck open or shifted to one side, preventing you from closing your mouth normally. This may happen alongside having a misaligned bite or swelling around the jaw. You may also feel pain in the jaw, face, or ears, which worsens if you force yourself to move your jaw. Some people may also experience drooling and speaking difficulties.
How do healthcare providers diagnose jaw dislocation?
The healthcare professional will check on the cause of your jaw dislocation. They will then examine your lower jaw, which may require an X-ray to confirm the severity of the dislocation, fractures or other pathologies.
Are there any side effects of TMJ dislocation treatments?
If you have to undergo treatment for TMJ dislocation treatment, it is normal to develop side effects such as bruising, jaw swelling, tenderness around the area. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to soothe the pain as your jaw takes time to recover. If you dislocate your TMJ easily, a head- jaw bandage may be placed for you to prevent immediate dislocation after reduction.
How long does it take for my jaw to heal after surgery?
After your jaw surgery, it may take about 6 weeks for the ligaments to heal, but you may expect to return to your normal activities a few weeks before that. Do note that the exact recovery time depends on every person’s condition and consult with your surgeon if you are still in pain despite taking medication.
How to prevent recurrences of jaw dislocation?
There are certain steps you can take to prevent recurrence, such as:
- Avoid opening your mouth too wide, and support your chin when yawning
- Cut food into small pieces to avoid taking overly large bites
- Use a mouthguard or splint if your dentist/ oral & maxillofacial surgeon/ doctor advises you to do so, or, in rare cases, consult if you need surgery to reduce the frequency of dislocation.