A dislocated jaw is a painful injury that can occur due to physical trauma or opening the mouth too wide. Immediate medical attention is necessary to realign the jaw and prevent complications. Treatment may include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery if the damage is severe.
A dislocated jaw is a painful injury that causes the lower jaw to separate on one or both sides of the face. When the jaw is dislocated from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), it is often impossible to close the mouth and eat or speak comfortably. A person suffering from a jaw dislocation should visit an emergency room or dental clinic as soon as possible to receive proper treatment. Doctors can manually realign the jaw bones and determine whether or not additional treatment is needed to prevent complications.
Most jaw dislocations occur as a result of severe physical trauma to the face. A person could be hit during a boxing match or soccer match or accidentally fall from a height. Car and industrial accidents can also cause jaw trauma. Occasionally, the jaw can dislocate when the mouth is opened too far during a dental procedure or while eating. People who have unusually loose joints due to genetics and those who have had dislocations in the past are more susceptible to injuries related to opening the mouth.
Pain and swelling usually show up immediately with a dislocated jaw. It is especially painful trying to open and close your mouth after the injury. The lower jaw may seem to jut out or to one side, and the face may start to feel stiff or numb. Bleeding from the mouth or external wounds may also occur, depending on the nature of the injury.
It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible when a person experiences a dislocated jaw. First aid practices usually include supporting the jaw with a loose bandage, using ice to relieve swelling, and keeping calm. In the emergency room, a doctor or trained nurse can assess the situation and push the jaw back into place with their hands. Realigning the jaw can be as painful as the initial injury that dislocated it for some people, but it’s an essential part of immediate treatment.
Doctors can perform physical exams and take TMJ image scans in the emergency room to check for extensive damage. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be given orally or injected directly into the affected TMJ. Once the swelling subsides and the pain subsides, a supportive bandage is applied to the patient and advice on home care is given. It’s important to avoid gaping your mouth for several months, which may mean you need a diet of liquid and soft foods.
If the jawbone or TMJ is severely damaged, a patient may need surgery. The bone itself can be filed down to prevent chafing, and the ligaments that support the joint can be shortened and tightened. Recovery from dislocated jaw surgery usually takes at least five months, and patients may need to take extra precautions in the future to avoid recurring jaw problems.
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