Dislocated jaw: symptoms, causes and treatment
Having a dislocated jaw, or a jaw that feels out of place, is not particularly common. However, when it occurs, it requires assessment by a specialist in maxillofacial surgery. At Face Clinic, we have extensive experience in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, allowing us to offer personalised, high-quality treatments for our patients.
What is a dislocated jaw?
A dislocated jaw, also known as mandibular dislocation, occurs when the mandibular condyle, the rounded part of the jaw that articulates with the temporal bone of the skull, moves out of its normal position. This may occur on one or both sides of the jaw and can be temporary or recurrent.
Dislocated jaw: what are the causes?
- Trauma: A strong blow to the jaw, whether due to an accident, a fall or an impact during sport, can cause mandibular dislocation.
- Opening the mouth too widely: Opening the mouth excessively during a dental procedure, yawning or eating large pieces of food may lead to jaw dislocation in some people, especially if they have a genetic predisposition or an unstable temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Biting habits: Regularly biting objects such as pens, pencils or other hard items can place pressure on the jaw and increase the risk of dislocation.
- TMJ disorders: When a dislocated jaw occurs, it is often associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This dysfunction is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as jaw pain, which requires specific treatment to help restore proper function in the area.
- Mandibular dislocation: Between the jaw and the temporal bone there are important connective tissues that allow the jaw to move freely. In certain situations, these connective tissues may not provide sufficient stability, leading to what is known as mandibular dislocation. Some patients may also have joints with excessive laxity. The sensation of the jaw being out of place is often related to this type of TMJ problem.
Symptoms of a dislocated jaw
- Jaw pain.
- Frequent headaches.
- Pressure around the eyes.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Pain when yawning.
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
- Clicking or popping sounds.
- Significant pain that may radiate towards the ear.
The symptoms listed above are some of the most common signs that may appear when the jaw is dislocated or when the temporomandibular joint is not functioning correctly. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a specialist. The medical team at Face Clinic can help you recover jaw function and reduce the risk of more significant problems in the future.
In addition, when problems affect the temporomandibular joint, oral health may also be affected. Problems such as malocclusion may appear, and oral hygiene can become more difficult.
Treatments for a dislocated jaw
If you have a dislocated jaw, it is essential to see a specialist in temporomandibular joint disorders as soon as possible. Early assessment helps identify the cause of the problem and establish the most appropriate treatment. The sooner TMJ treatment begins, the better the chances of recovering function and reducing associated complications.
At our dental and maxillofacial clinic, we provide accurate diagnoses using advanced technology. Our aim is to design a personalised, high-quality treatment plan for each patient.
Some possible treatments include:
- Repositioning the jaw: In most cases, a dislocated jaw must be realigned by a medical professional. This is often performed in a dental or maxillofacial clinic. A gentle technique is used to guide the jaw back into its normal position. Oral surgery is reserved for specific cases, especially when there is a persistent blockage that prevents normal movement.
- Medication: Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Neuromodulators for bruxism
: In many cases, the surgeon may recommend treatment with muscle relaxant injections in the jaw area, commonly known as botulinum toxin treatment for bruxism. - Physical therapy: After a mandibular dislocation, working with a physiotherapist may be beneficial to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve the stability of the temporomandibular joint.
- Oral appliances: In some cases, oral devices such as night-time dental splints may be used to stabilise the jaw and help prevent future dislocations.
We invite you to book an appointment at Face Clinic if you have a dislocated jaw or feel that your jaw is out of place. Our medical team will assess your situation and your specific case in order to correct the problem and help prevent associated complications.
Specialist team at Face Clinic
We invite you to request a consultation with the maxillofacial surgeons at Face Clinic so that your case can be assessed individually.
Book your appointment at one of our clinics in Spain
At our dental clinic, we have a professional medical team across different specialities, fully prepared to design tailored treatments aimed at achieving reliable clinical outcomes. Our clinics are equipped with advanced dental technology. We can perform techniques such as computer-guided surgery, which allows us to approach different treatments in a more predictable and safer way.
Correctly diagnosing an oral pathology requires experience. The dentists at Face Clinic have many years of experience in different areas of dentistry. If you have a dislocated jaw and do not know what may be causing it, it is important to place yourself in the hands of experienced specialists. At Face Clinic, we can help you recover jaw function.
FACE CLINIC ESPAÑA es un referente en medicina y cirugía multidisciplinar, con clínicas en con un equipo altamente cualificado y la tecnología más avanzada para cuidar de la salud, la belleza y el bienestar de nuestros pacientes.
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