Dislocated Jaw: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes and Treatment

What is a Dislocated Jaw?

When your jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is out of place, you have a dislocated jaw. 

The joints, jaw muscles, and ligaments that link your lower jaw to your skull are all part of your TMJ. These components work together to allow you to open and close your mouth.

When you dislocate your jaw, the parts that help your jaw move are unable to function properly. 

A dislocated jaw is a medical emergency since it may prevent you from eating or speaking. 

A dislocated jaw is treated by gently moving your lower jaw back into place by a healthcare expert.

Broken Jaw Definition

A fractured jaw means that something hit your lower jawbone (mandible) or upper jawbone (maxilla) hard enough to break the bone. 

You can break your lower jawbone in several places, from the top of the condyle to the angle in your jaw that bends up and back towards your ears. 

Whatever section of your jawbone is damaged, a broken jaw is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of a broken or dislocated jaw

Broken jaw

A broken jaw might cause the following symptoms:

• Swelling caused by discomfort, including face oedema

• Breathing difficulty, including bleeding from the mouth

• Jaw soreness during chewing stiffness

• Facial numbness and bruising

• Dental-related discomforts, such as gum numbness or loose teeth

The most obvious symptoms of a broken jaw are pain, swelling, and bleeding. Your entire face may enlarge, causing your jaw to become uncomfortable and inflexible. 

Some patients may experience bleeding from the lips, creating breathing difficulty. Blood flow might obstruct your airways. When chewing or speaking, you may feel the most discomfort and tenderness. 

If you suffer a severe jaw fracture, you may have restricted mobility or be unable to move your jaw at all. If your jaw is fractured or broken, you may have numbness and bruises on the face and gums. 

Breaking the bone might result in various facial form anomalies. You may notice that your jaw or face appears bumpy.

The impact of your injury could also cause loosened or lost teeth.

Jaw Dislocation

The symptoms of a dislocated jaw differ from those of a broken jaw. Pain is a factor, and it may worsen if you move your mouth or body. 

Additional symptoms of a displaced jaw include:

• Your jaw may appear to protrude out excessively, as in an overbite.
• Your teeth may not line up as they usually do, and your bite may feel weird.
• Drooling may occur if you are unable to close your mouth entirely due to an irregular bite.
• It may be tough to speak.

Diagnosis of a fractured or dislocated jaw

Your doctor will diagnose a broken jaw or dislocation by asking you questions about your medical history, performing a physical exam, and obtaining appropriate X-rays. 

An oral surgeon or dentist could treat a mild dislocation. A severe fracture requiring surgery would necessitate the services of a specialist, such as facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a head and neck surgeon, or an oral surgeon.

What is the Underlying Cause of Dislocated Jaw?

• You could dislocate your jaw while performing simple things like yawning, laughing, or biting into a large lunch. 

• You may potentially dislocate your jaw if someone or anything strikes it.

• If you have certain connective tissue diseases that cause your joints to be exceptionally flexible (hypermobile), you are more likely to acquire a dislocated jaw. 

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects your joints.

• Seizures occur.

• Need a medical or dental procedure that requires you to keep your mouth open wide for an extended period?

Can I Avoid Having My Jaws Dislocated?

Not all of the time. Some people have their jaws dislocated after being smacked in the jaw. 

You might not be able to prevent all scenarios where this could occur, such as car accidents or falling on your face. 

However, there are certain things you can do:

Consult your dentist. People can dislocate their jaws while attempting to open them wide. Please notify your dentist if you require a break during treatment.

Reduce the size of your food. Although it may appear improbable, extending your mouth wide to bite into a large sandwich is one method people dislocate their jaws. 

Before you dive in, you may need to disassemble your sandwich.

What is the Treatment for a Dislocated Jaw?

• A physical examination and an x-ray will be used by your doctor to detect a dislocated jaw. 
• They will manually or occasionally during surgery return the joint to its proper alignment. 
• You may be given an anaesthetic to prevent jaw pain and medications to calm your muscles so that the jaw can be correctly placed back into position.
• Once your jaw is restored, it must be stabilised using bandages that prevent you from opening your mouth too wide. 
• Pain can be managed with medications and a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. 
• Eat soft foods to avoid having to move your jaw too much.

Is It Possible to Avoid a Dislocated Jaw?

Wear a mouthguard, helmet, or other protective equipment to protect your face while participating in sports.

If you've ever had a dislocated jaw, take particular care not to yawn too loudly. 

While it is often impossible to stop a yawn, try yawning with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth to keep your mouth partially closed.

Final Thoughts on Jaw Dislocation

Most persons who have a fractured or dislocated jaw have a very excellent prognosis. 

Dislocations and nonsurgical fractures heal in four to eight weeks, whereas surgical fractures might take months to heal. 

In most cases, the jaw heals successfully, with little long-term consequences.

However, you are more prone to experience repeated joint pain in your jaw following your injury. This is a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, abbreviated as TMJ disorder. 

People who have previously dislocated their jaw may be at a higher risk of subsequent dislocation. 

Support your chin when you sneeze or yawn to protect your jaw from potential pain or injury.

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