A dislocated jaw, formally known as mandibular luxation, is the painful displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jawbone to the skull. The injury causes severe, immediate pain and prevents the jaw from functioning normally.
Recognizing Pain and Other Key Symptoms
The pain from a dislocated jaw is sharp, intense, and immediate, concentrated near the ear where the TMJ is located. This discomfort is compounded by muscle spasms that occur as the jaw muscles attempt to pull the joint back into place. The pain worsens significantly with any attempted movement, such as speaking or swallowing.
The most obvious sign is the inability to close the mouth, resulting in the mouth hanging open. This is frequently accompanied by a noticeable misalignment of the bite, called malocclusion, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. The lower jaw may also appear visibly shifted or twisted to one side, known as facial asymmetry. Swelling or bruising can develop quickly around the joint. Drooling and difficulty speaking or chewing are common symptoms.
How Jaw Dislocation Occurs
A jaw dislocation happens when the mandibular condyle, the rounded end of the lower jawbone, slips out of its normal position in the socket of the temporal bone. This displacement usually occurs forward, or anteriorly, past a bony prominence called the articular eminence. The movement stretches the ligaments and joint capsule, leading to sudden pain and a locking sensation.
While direct trauma can cause this injury, many dislocations result from simply opening the mouth too wide. Common actions include a wide yawn, a prolonged dental procedure, or forceful laughter. Biting into an oversized piece of food can also force the joint out of place.
Individuals with pre-existing hypermobility or ligament laxity are at a higher risk of dislocation. Certain connective tissue disorders or conditions that cause uncontrolled muscle spasms, such as seizures, can also predispose a person to this injury. When the jaw repeatedly dislocates, it is referred to as recurrent or chronic dislocation.
Immediate Actions Before Medical Care
A dislocated jaw is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt professional attention. The first action is to resist any urge to forcefully move or try to snap the jaw back into place yourself. Self-reduction attempts can cause further damage to soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.
While waiting for medical help, focus on stabilization and pain management. Use your hands or a soft bandage, such as a scarf or tie, to gently support the lower jaw from underneath. This support helps to minimize movement and provides comfort. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the swollen area near the joint can help reduce pain and control swelling. Seek emergency medical care immediately, as delaying treatment can make the eventual reduction procedure more difficult due to worsening muscle spasms.
Professional Treatment and Healing
The definitive treatment for a dislocated jaw is a manual reduction procedure, where a medical practitioner gently manipulates the jaw back into its correct position. To manage intense pain and muscle spasms, this procedure is typically performed after the patient receives a sedative, muscle relaxant, or local anesthetic. The provider places their thumbs on the lower back teeth and applies downward and backward pressure to guide the mandibular condyle back into the socket.
Once the joint is repositioned, post-reduction care focuses on allowing the stretched joint capsule and ligaments to heal. The jaw may be stabilized with a specific bandage, such as a Barton bandage, to limit movement and prevent immediate re-dislocation. Patients are advised to avoid opening their mouth wide for at least six weeks, which includes controlling yawns and cutting food into small pieces. A soft diet is prescribed to minimize chewing and stress on the recovering joint. Complete healing often takes six to eight weeks, though some people may take a few months to fully recover.
Individuals who experience recurrent dislocations may require surgical intervention to tighten the joint ligaments or modify the bony structures to prevent future incidents.