Dislocated Jaw: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Does dislocated jaw go back to normal?

Yes, with prompt and appropriate medical intervention, a dislocated jaw can typically be successfully repositioned and return to its normal function. However, proper post-reduction care and preventative measures are crucial to ensure full recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence.

Understanding a Dislocated Jaw

A dislocated jaw, medically known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, occurs when the lower jawbone (mandible) separates from its normal articulation with the skull at one or both temporomandibular joints. These joints, located on either side of the head just in front of the ears, are complex hinge-and-gliding joints that allow for the wide range of movements necessary for chewing, speaking, and yawning.

When a dislocation happens, the condyle (the rounded end of the mandible) moves forward and upward, becoming trapped in front of a bony prominence called the articular eminence, preventing the jaw from closing properly.

Causes of Jaw Dislocation

Dislocations can occur due to various factors, often involving an excessive opening of the mouth or direct trauma:

• Trauma: A direct blow to the jaw or face, such as during a fall, sports injury, or accident.
• Excessive Mouth Opening: This is a common cause, often occurring during:
  • A wide yawn.
  • Vomiting.
  • Dental procedures that require the mouth to be open for extended periods.
  • Singing or shouting.
• Underlying Conditions: Individuals with certain conditions may be more prone to dislocation due to joint laxity or muscle weakness:
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a connective tissue disorder).
  • Ligamentous laxity.
  • Previous jaw dislocations.
  • Certain neurological conditions causing muscle spasms.

Signs and Symptoms

A dislocated jaw is often immediately apparent and can be quite distressing. Key symptoms include:

• Inability to Close the Mouth: The most prominent sign, as the jaw is locked in an open position.
• Pain: Often severe, localized around the ear and jaw joint.
• Misalignment of the Jaw: The jaw may appear visibly shifted to one side.
• Difficulty Speaking or Swallowing: Due to the inability to close the mouth.
• Drooling: As saliva cannot be easily swallowed.
• Facial Swelling: May develop around the joint area.

The Immediate Intervention: Reduction

The primary treatment for a dislocated jaw is its manual reduction, which means carefully repositioning the jawbone back into its socket. This procedure must be performed by a qualified medical professional, such as an emergency room physician, oral surgeon, or dentist. Attempting to reduce a dislocated jaw without proper training can cause further damage to the joint, ligaments, or surrounding structures.

• Procedure: The healthcare provider typically uses specific maneuvers to gently guide the jaw back into place. This often involves applying downward and backward pressure on the jaw.
• Pain Management: Pain medication, muscle relaxants, or local anesthesia may be administered to facilitate the reduction and minimize discomfort during the process.
• Immediate Relief: Once reduced, the jaw usually closes immediately, and much of the pain subsides, offering significant relief. This is the crucial step that allows the jaw to "go back to normal" in terms of its anatomical position.

Post-Reduction Recovery and Rehabilitation

Even after successful reduction, the TMJ and surrounding tissues need time to heal and stabilize. The recovery period is vital to prevent re-dislocation and ensure long-term normal function.

• Initial Care (First 24-72 hours):
  • Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing (e.g., soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies). Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods.
  • Pain and Swelling Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) or prescribed medication may be used. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
  • Jaw Immobilization/Support: Your doctor may recommend a bandage or a soft jaw support to limit movement, especially during sleep.
  • Avoid Extreme Movements: Refrain from wide yawning, shouting, or any activity that requires opening the mouth excessively.
• Gradual Return to Normal Function:
  • Rest: Allow the joint and ligaments to heal. Avoid putting undue stress on the jaw.
  • Gentle Exercises (if advised): Once initial pain and swelling subside (typically after a few days to a week), your doctor or a physical therapist specializing in TMJ disorders may recommend gentle jaw exercises to restore range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles. These are introduced cautiously and progressively.
  • Chewing Progression: Gradually reintroduce solid foods as comfort allows, starting with softer textures.
• Healing Timeline: Most individuals experience significant improvement within a few days to a week following reduction. Full recovery of strength and stability can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the dislocation and individual healing capacity.

Potential Complications and Recurrence

While most dislocated jaws recover well, some complications can arise:

• Recurrent Dislocations: This is the most common concern, especially if the ligaments supporting the joint have been stretched or damaged. Each subsequent dislocation can further stretch the ligaments, making future dislocations more likely.
• Chronic TMJ Pain: Persistent pain or dysfunction in the TMJ, even after reduction.
• Ligamentous Laxity: Permanent stretching of the joint ligaments, leading to chronic instability.
• Nerve Damage (Rare): In very severe or repeated cases, there's a minimal risk of nerve damage.

Preventing Future Dislocations

Prevention is key, particularly for those who have experienced a dislocation:

• Avoid Excessive Mouth Opening:
  • When yawning, place your fist under your chin to support the jaw and prevent wide opening.
  • Be mindful during dental procedures; inform your dentist about your history.
  • Cut food into smaller pieces to avoid large bites.
• Manage Stress and Bruxism: If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), address this with stress management techniques, mouthguards, or dental splints, as it can strain the TMJ.
• Strengthening and Stability Exercises: Under the guidance of a physical therapist, specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the TMJ and improve joint stability, particularly for those with recurrent dislocations. These might include gentle isometric exercises or controlled jaw movements.
• Proper Posture: Maintaining good head and neck posture can contribute to overall jaw health.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

• Immediately: If you suspect a jaw dislocation, seek emergency medical attention without delay.
• Persistent Symptoms: If you experience persistent pain, clicking, limited jaw movement, or difficulty chewing weeks after a reduction.
• Recurrence: If you experience another jaw dislocation.
• Chronic TMJ Issues: For ongoing jaw pain, stiffness, or other TMJ-related symptoms, consult with an oral surgeon, an otolaryngologist (ENT), or a TMJ specialist.

By understanding the nature of a dislocated jaw, ensuring prompt and proper medical intervention, and diligently following post-reduction care and preventative strategies, most individuals can expect their jaw to return to normal function and maintain long-term stability.