Dislocated Jaw
A dislocated jaw (dislocated mandible) generally is very painful. The mouth usually cannot be closed, and the jaw may be twisted to one side. A dislocated jaw is typically caused by opening the mouth excessively wide or by an injury. Other causes include vomiting, yawning, looseness of the jaw (hypermobility), which often occurs due to a temporomandibular disorder (see Section 8, Chapter 116), and prolonged dental procedures.
The doctor typically maneuvers the jaw back into place (manual reduction). With his thumbs wrapped in gauze, the doctor places his thumbs on the gums next to the lower back teeth and presses downward and then slightly forward on the outer surface of the teeth. If necessary, he then exerts backward pressure.
Once the jaw is back in place, the person is told to avoid opening the mouth wide for at least 6 weeks. The person and his family usually can be taught how to repair the dislocation should it occur again. If the person has had more than one dislocation, surgery may be needed to reduce the risk of further dislocations. For instance, the ligaments connecting the jaw to the skull (at the temporomandibular joint) can be shortened, thereby tightening the joint.
|
