Jaw Dislocation Treatment

A JAW DISLOCATION CAN BE A VERY PAINFUL INJURY AND IMPACT YOUR FUNCTION GREATLY.

A dislocated jaw (temporomandibular joint) happens when themandibular condylar process moves out of the glenoid fossa and is unable to return. So, the mandible comes out of what we think of as the ‘TMJ’. The joint can dislocate sideways, upwards, forwards, or backwards. The most common is an anterior (forward) dislocation where the mandibular condylar process comes in front of the articular eminence and cannot return to its normal position. Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy offers jaw dislocation treatment that can reduce discomfort and aid in a quicker recovery.

Dislocations can happen once or can reoccur several times to one or both TMJ joints at a time.

What causes a Dislocated Jaw?

Like any other joint, problems happen when joint structures (disc, ligaments, muscles, bones) don’t work correctly or are damaged. Sometimes this results in a dislocated jaw.

Some causes of these structural or functional changes include:

Wide opening of the mouth (yawning, laughing, big bite of food, vomiting, seizures)
Dental treatments
Intubation associated with surgery
Trauma to the jaw
TMJ arthritis
General ligament laxity

What are the symptoms of a dislocated jaw?

Inability to close/open your mouth

Misalignment of the jaw, lips, and/or teeth

Pain – worse with jaw movement

Difficulty speaking

Drooling

What will Jaw Dislocation treatment involve?

If your TMJ is still dislocated and can’t return to its normal position, it will need to be reduced (put the joint back in its normal position) by a doctor in hospital. Following this, you may be sore for several weeks. The recovery from TMJ fracture can be lengthy and should be guided by a doctor and your physiotherapist.

After the TMJ has been reduced, a Pivotal Motion physiotherapist can speed recovery and ease pain with TMJ dislocation treatment.

Physiotherapy treatment may involve:

Education on preventing future dislocations
Types of foods to avoid
Jaw positions to avoid
Correcting jaw alignment
Addressing weak or tight muscles
Individualised home exercise program
Treatment of your neck to assist with positioning

We can help

Jaw dislocation treatment is a special interest to our principle physiotherapist Bobbie-Jo Strong and she will be eager to help with your recovery. For more information on jaw physiotherapy call 07 3352 5116 to book a consultation or book online today.