Dislocated Jaw: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and recovery

What is a dislocated jaw?

When your jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint, slips out of its normal position, it is considered to be a dislocated jaw. Patients often describe the sensation as if their jaw feels out of place on one side. Leaving a dislocated jaw untreated can lead to:

Symptoms of a dislocated jaw

A dislocated jaw is a serious dental condition that can be really painful. Individuals with a dislocated jaw can have the following symptoms.

Causes of jaw dislocation

Jaw dislocation can occur due to several reasons. Everyday actions like opening the mouth too wide while yawning, eating large foods, or vomiting can strain the joint and cause it to slip out of place. In other cases, trauma such as a direct injury or blow to the face may lead to dislocation. Certain medical factors, including a history of previous dislocations, jaw hypermobility, or connective tissue disorders, can also increase the risk and make the joint more vulnerable.

Treatment for jaw dislocation

Treatment for a dislocated jaw depends on the severity of the condition and whether it's a first-time or recurring issue. In most cases, a healthcare provider can gently reposition the jaw back into place by carefully manipulating it, a process called manual reduction. Once realigned, a supportive bandage or elastic wrap may be applied to limit jaw movement and allow healing. For frequent dislocations, additional treatments may be necessary, such as muscle relaxants or stabilization devices to prevent further slipping. Medication may be prescribed to ease pain in the jaw and relax the surrounding muscles.

In more severe or chronic cases, surgical options may be recommended to repair, tighten, or reshape the ligaments, bones, or joint structures that support the jaw.

Recovery and self-care

During recovery, patients are usually advised to avoid wide mouth movements (like big bites or yawning), eat soft foods, and follow up with their dentist or oral surgeon for monitoring. A lingering jaw ache may last for a few days, but it usually improves with rest and soft foods.

Simple measures like cold compresses, rest, and soft foods can help if you're wondering how to relieve jaw and ear pain after a dislocation.

Prevention Tips

Incorporating the following habits in your daily life can prevent you from suffering from jaw dislocation:

Understanding the relation between orthodontics and jaw health

The jaw is one of the most important structures in the face that's involved in major actions like chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure. Orthodontists recommend treating it at an early age, as the jaw is still growing, and it will be easier to correct its position at that time.

Common Jaw Problems Addressed by Orthodontists

Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

TMJ occurs when the jaw joint doesn't function properly, often causing persistent pain in the jaw muscles. Complications of TMJ include constant headaches, jaw pain, joint damage, tinnitus, facial nerve injury, impaired jaw function, etc.

Ways to treat TMJ

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Bruxism

Bruxism occurs when an individual consciously or unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth during the day or at night. Bruxism can cause severe head and earaches, cracked or chipped teeth, jaw issues like TMJ, gum problems, etc.

Ways to treat bruxism

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Caspersmile has a variety of night guards suitable for mild to moderate teeth grinders and those suffering from TMJ. Soft night guards are best suitable for mild teeth grinders, however, hybrid and hard night guards are best for people with moderate to severe bruxism.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion occurs when you have a bad bite. It has certain conditions that include overbite, overjet, crossbite, openbite, and underbite. Leaving malocclusion untreated can lead to several complications involving tooth erosion, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Ways to treat malocclusion

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Managing, treating, and preventing jaw dislocation

A dislocated jaw is a painful and often urgent condition that requires prompt professional treatment. Whether caused by trauma, wide-mouth movements, or underlying medical factors, early care through manual reduction or surgical intervention is vital to prevent complications. Recovery depends on careful habits, such as eating soft foods, supporting the jaw, and following up with your healthcare provider. By practicing prevention strategies like avoiding extreme movements, managing stress, and using protective mouthguards, you can reduce the risk of recurrence and protect your long-term jaw health.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a dislocated jaw and a subluxation? +

A dislocated jaw occurs when the jaw joint is completely pulled into an unusual position, whereas subluxation happens when the bones in your joints are partially shifted into a new position.

Can a dislocated jaw be fixed at home? +

No, a dislocated jaw is a serious dental emergency that needs to be treated in the office under an expert’s supervision.

How long does recovery from a dislocated jaw take? +

Recovery after manual reduction of a dislocated jaw typically takes around 6 weeks.

What foods should I avoid while my jaw is healing? +

Hard, crunchy, and highly acidic foods should be avoided if your jaw is healing.

Why does a dislocated jaw sometimes cause headaches or dizziness? +

It is because TMJ is located near the inner ear and near nerves and muscles that cause pain and headaches when stressed or misaligned.

Can orthodontic treatment reduce the risk of future jaw dislocations? +

Yes, orthodontic treatments can reduce the risk of jaw dislocation by correcting jaw and bite misalignment.

When should I see a doctor for jaw pain or TMJ issues? +

If the symptoms are severe and the pain is consistent, you need to visit your orthodontist immediately.

What does a dislocated jaw look like? +

It usually appears misaligned, with the mouth stuck open or shifted to one side.