A dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jawbone, or mandible, moves out of its normal position from one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJs) located just in front of the ears. This condition can be painful and unsettling. Understanding the appropriate response is important for managing the situation effectively.
What Causes a Jaw to Dislocate?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, enabling movements like speaking, chewing, and yawning. The joint involves the condyle, the rounded end of the mandible, fitting into a socket in the temporal bone and cushioned by an articular disc. A dislocated jaw occurs when the condyle moves too far forward, slipping out of its normal resting place and getting stuck in front of a bony prominence called the articular eminence.
Several everyday actions can lead to a jaw dislocation if the mouth opens too widely. Common causes include excessive yawning, loud laughing, or biting into a large piece of food. Dental procedures requiring the mouth to stay open for extended periods can also cause dislocation. Direct trauma to the jaw, such as from falls, sports injuries, or accidents, can forcefully dislodge the joint. Certain medical conditions affecting joint stability or connective tissues can also increase susceptibility.
Immediate Actions for a Dislocated Jaw
If a jaw dislocation is suspected, remain calm. Avoid any attempt at self-manipulation or trying to force the jaw back into place. This can cause further injury to the joint, surrounding nerves, and muscles, potentially leading to complications like nerve damage or chronic pain.
Instead, immobilize the jaw to prevent additional movement. Supporting the jaw with your hands can help, or a makeshift sling can be created using a bandage wrapped under the chin and over the head, secured firmly but not overly tight. Apply a cold compress to the affected area, such as ice wrapped in a cloth, for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
After these initial steps, seek immediate medical attention. A dislocated jaw is a medical emergency requiring professional care. Head to an urgent care facility or an emergency room for proper diagnosis and treatment. While awaiting medical help, avoid eating solid foods and limit talking or any other jaw movements.
Professional Treatment for Jaw Dislocation
Healthcare providers will assess the dislocation and determine the appropriate course of action. The primary treatment for an acute jaw dislocation is manual reduction, where a medical professional gently guides the jaw back into its correct position. This procedure often involves the healthcare provider placing their thumbs on the lower molars and fingers under the chin, then applying downward and backward pressure to reposition the jaw. This technique helps disengage the jaw’s condyle from the articular eminence and return it to the mandibular fossa.
Before reduction, pain relief and muscle relaxants might be administered to relax the jaw muscles and make the process less painful and more successful. These can include intravenous sedatives, analgesics, or local anesthetics injected directly into the TMJ area. In complex cases, or if the dislocation has been present for an extended period, general anesthesia might be used. After a successful reduction, the jaw typically snaps back into place, and the individual can be discharged with aftercare instructions.
Managing and Preventing Recurrence
After the jaw has been manually reduced, aftercare measures are important for proper healing and to minimize the risk of future dislocations. Patients are advised to limit wide jaw movements for several weeks. This includes avoiding wide yawns, large bites of food, and excessive talking. When yawning, place a fist or hand under the chin to support the jaw and prevent it from opening too widely.
Eating a soft diet is recommended to reduce strain on the healing joint. Foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are ideal during this recovery period. Pain and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, or prescribed muscle relaxants if needed. A soft cervical collar or a special bandage may also be used to provide additional support and limit jaw movement.
For individuals with recurrent jaw dislocations, further strategies may be necessary. Addressing underlying temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) with a dentist or specialist is beneficial. Preventive measures include wearing a custom mouthguard, especially if teeth grinding or clenching is a habit. In cases of chronic recurrence, a healthcare provider might suggest minimally invasive therapies like injections or surgical interventions to stabilize the joint.