A dislocated jaw, also known as a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, occurs when the lower jawbone, or mandible, moves out of its normal position within the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull, located just in front of the ear. This displacement results in a painful and often distressing condition that prevents the mouth from closing properly. Prompt medical attention is necessary to realign the jaw and alleviate discomfort.
Recognizing a Dislocated Jaw
A dislocated jaw presents with distinct physical signs and symptoms. Individuals often report severe pain in the jaw area, which can extend to the ears or temples. A hallmark symptom is the inability to close the mouth, leaving it in an open, fixed position. This can also lead to excessive drooling due to difficulty swallowing.
A dislocated jaw can cause a noticeable misalignment or asymmetry of the face, where the jaw appears pushed forward or to one side. Speaking becomes challenging, often resulting in muffled or incomprehensible speech. Common causes include wide yawning, a direct impact to the face, or extensive mouth opening during dental procedures.
Immediate Actions and First Aid
Immediate professional medical attention is required for a suspected jaw dislocation. Individuals should not attempt to manipulate or force the jaw back into place themselves. Doing so can cause further injury to the temporomandibular joint, surrounding muscles, ligaments, or even fracture the jawbone, and can complicate subsequent professional treatment.
While waiting for medical assistance, supportive actions can be taken. Gently supporting the jaw with both hands can help stabilize it and reduce movement, which may alleviate some discomfort. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks.
Professional Medical Treatment
A healthcare professional, such as an emergency room physician, dentist, or oral surgeon, performs the reduction of a dislocated jaw. Manual reduction techniques are the most common method to guide the jaw back into its socket. This procedure involves applying downward and backward pressure on the patient’s molars while simultaneously lifting the chin.
To facilitate the procedure and minimize patient discomfort, local anesthesia may be injected near the joint, or sedation administered intravenously. These measures help relax the jaw muscles, making it easier to manipulate the mandible back into its correct position. After realignment, patients often feel immediate relief as the jaw returns to normal function.
Post-Treatment Care and Prevention
Following jaw reduction, specific post-treatment care promotes healing and prevents recurrence. Patients are advised to maintain a soft diet for several days to a week, avoiding hard, chewy, or large foods that require wide mouth opening. This allows the joint and tissues to rest and recover.
Avoid habits that strain the jaw, such as wide yawning, shouting, or taking large bites of food, for several weeks. Gentle jaw exercises may be initiated if recommended by a healthcare professional to strengthen jaw muscles. For recurrent dislocations, managing underlying conditions like teeth clenching or grinding and reducing stress are important preventive strategies.