Jaw dislocation, medically termed mandibular dislocation, is a painful condition requiring immediate medical attention. It occurs when the lower jawbone separates from the socket it normally rests in. This joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), acts as a hinge connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. Dislocation happens when the mandibular condyle slips out of the glenoid fossa. Most dislocations are classified as anterior, meaning the condyle has moved forward and become lodged in front of the articular eminence.
What a Jaw Dislocation Feels Like
The onset of a dislocated jaw is marked by sudden, severe pain, often felt in front of the ear or along the side of the face. A defining symptom is the inability to close the mouth completely, sometimes referred to as an “open lock.” The jaw muscles often seize up in a painful spasm, which prevents the jawbone from returning to its correct position.
A person with this injury may notice a visible misalignment or protrusion of the jaw, where the lower jaw appears to jut forward or shift to one side. The teeth may no longer line up, creating an abnormal bite.
Excessive drooling is a common symptom due to the inability to fully close the mouth and control the oral muscles.
How Jaw Dislocation Occurs
Jaw dislocation typically occurs when the mouth is opened too wide, stretching the ligaments and capsule surrounding the TMJ beyond their limit. This can happen during activities like a wide yawn, laughing forcefully, or taking a large bite of food. Prolonged dental procedures that require the mouth to be held open for an extended time are also a frequent non-traumatic cause.
Dislocations can also result from direct trauma, such as a blow to the face during an accident or a sports injury.
Underlying conditions increase risk, including chronic temporomandibular joint disorders or generalized ligamentous laxity, which makes the joint less stable.
Seeking Immediate Medical Help
If a jaw dislocation is suspected, seek immediate medical attention, typically at an emergency department or urgent care facility. Stabilize the jaw by gently supporting it with your hand or a soft cloth. Under no circumstances should you attempt to force or manipulate the jaw back into place yourself, as self-reduction attempts can cause further damage to the joint structures, nerves, or surrounding tissues.
Professional treatment focuses on manual reduction, where a trained healthcare provider physically guides the mandibular condyle back into the glenoid fossa. To manage intense pain and severe muscle spasms, the patient is usually given intravenous (IV) pain medication, muscle relaxants, or procedural sedation.
The provider applies downward and backward pressure on the back teeth to clear the bony obstruction, allowing the jaw to snap back into position. Following a successful reduction, a temporary bandage, such as a Barton bandage, may be applied to restrict jaw movement and allow the joint capsule to heal.
Steps to Prevent Recurrence
Once a jaw has been dislocated, the surrounding ligaments and joint capsule are stretched, increasing the risk of future dislocations. For the first six weeks following reduction, the primary goal is to limit extreme jaw movements and allow the joint time to heal.
Patients should adhere to a soft diet, consuming foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes that require minimal chewing. Avoiding wide mouth opening is essential, which means refraining from yelling, singing loudly, or taking large bites of food. When anticipating a yawn, a person should consciously place a closed fist under their chin and press upward to prevent the jaw from opening too far.
For those who experience chronic or recurrent dislocations, a dentist or specialist may recommend a custom-fitted oral splint or mouthguard to stabilize the joint, particularly during sleep when teeth grinding or clenching may occur. Physical therapy exercises focused on strengthening the jaw muscles and improving coordination can also be beneficial for long-term joint stability.