The Jaw Dislocation: Causes And Treatment
A jaw dislocation is a rarely occurring but potentially unpleasant clinical picture. Find out below what possible causes are behind this and how the problem can be treated.
Usually the different tendons and ligaments of the jaw hold the TMJ in place. However, they can fail and lead to jaw dislocation .
A dislocated temporomandibular joint occurs when a certain part of the joint called the condyle breaks away from the joint surface and moves over the temporal bone. It is very common for this displacement to occur in the direction of the anterior plane of the joint.
Reasons for the dislocation of the jaw
Before looking at the possible causes of jaw dislocation , we should remember that this is an unusual clinical picture. In fact, several studies claim that it only accounts for 3% of all dislocations. This is why there is so much disagreement about the main cause of this suffering.
The most common cause of acute jaw dislocation is trauma that occurs minutes or hours after the dislocation. For example, a direct blow can be responsible. However, you shouldn’t rule out that the injury may have happened spontaneously. It can result from various situations in which the mouth is opened frequently or kept open for a long time. For example:
- yawning
- Laugh
- Vomit
- Dental treatments
- Endotracheal intubation
The chronically recurring dislocation of the jaw is another type of jaw dislocation. It is defined as a constant change over time and includes the wear and tear of the joint components. In this case, the most common causes of a dislocated jaw occur spontaneously.
Likewise, the jaw can easily dislocate in people with bruxism or a psychiatric disorder. This is due to the constant stress on the temporomandibular joint.
How do you recognize a jaw dislocation?
People with this type of injury often experience sudden pain in the jaw area, usually some kind of sting that restricts movement. Also, the joint breaks when you try to move it.
In short, the two main symptoms of a dislocated jaw are pain and a cracking joint. You may also notice a deviation in the jaw, either towards the healthy side or towards the front.
Many patients report that they are unable to close their mouths or achieve a tooth lock. However, these signs may vary. In fact, the dislocation of the jaw develops significantly in some patients within a few months because they initially feel no discomfort.
A doctor must consult all elements of the medical history to make a correct diagnosis. In this regard, he must study the features of the pain and conduct a careful physical examination of the articulation. An x-ray is also often required as a confirmatory method.
Treatment of a dislocation of the jaw
A dislocated jaw can be treated medically. Therefore, if you suspect you have this problem, you should consult a doctor.
- In the case of acute dislocations, these can in most cases be alleviated by the Nelaton or Dupuis maneuver. These vary if it is a bilateral or a unilateral variant.
- Both maneuvers have the same principle. A doctor will insert their thumbs into the oral cavity and place them on top of the lower molars. He will then push down as he tries to lift his chin, creating a negative pressure or tension that returns the mandibular condyle in place.
- In some cases, especially in anxious patients, general anesthesia may be required. This makes treatment easier. After performing the above maneuver, the patient may need a bandage to stabilize the area for a few days.
- Surgical intervention may be required for more severe acute or chronically recurring jaw dislocations. However, the use of botulinum toxin has proven beneficial in certain cases so that surgery could be avoided.
- Finally, physiotherapy treatment helps restore the functionality of the temporomandibular joint. It is therefore recommended for chronically recurring jaw dislocations.
What should you do with a jaw dislocation?
While this condition doesn’t seriously affect your health, it can still be quite annoying and affect your quality of life. This is especially true when it comes to performing your usual routine. Therefore, if you suspect a jaw dislocation, the first thing you should consult a doctor.
The above maneuvers and adequate treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatories are the only ways to reverse the problem. If you have recurring symptoms, try to see the same doctor, as he is already familiar with your case and can advise you on the most suitable measures.
