What You Should Do if You Dislocate Your Temporomandibular Joint
Posted on 6/16/2025 by Pacific Maxillofacial Center |
 The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. While strong, the TMJ can become dislocated, causing pain and discomfort.
If you think you might have dislocated your TMJ, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible. An oral surgeon can assess the situation and recommend the best course of treatment.
Symptoms of a Dislocated TMJ
Several symptoms can indicate a dislocated TMJ. These include:
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Pain: The pain may be localized in the jaw joint or radiate to the ear, face, or neck. |
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Difficulty opening or closing the mouth: You may find it challenging to open your mouth wide or close it completely. |
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Clicking or popping sounds: You may hear clicking or popping noises when you move your jaw. |
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Locking of the jaw: Your jaw may become stuck in an open or closed position. |
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Swelling: You may experience swelling around the jaw joint. |
Causes of a Dislocated TMJ
Several factors can contribute to a dislocated TMJ. These include:
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Trauma: A blow to the jaw, such as from a fall or car accident, can dislocate the TMJ. |
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Excessively wide mouth opening: Opening your mouth too wide, such as when yawning or taking a large bite of food, can also cause a dislocation. |
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Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as arthritis or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can weaken the ligaments surrounding the TMJ, making it more susceptible to dislocation. |
What to Do if You Dislocate Your TMJ
If you suspect you have dislocated your TMJ, follow these steps:
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Apply ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling. |
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Take over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. |
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See an oral surgeon: It's important to see an oral surgeon as soon as possible to diagnose the dislocation and determine the best course of treatment. |
Treatment for a Dislocated TMJ
The treatment for a dislocated TMJ will depend on the severity of the dislocation and the underlying cause. In some cases, the oral surgeon may be able to manually reposition the jaw joint. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.
Following treatment, your oral surgeon may recommend physical therapy or other exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the TMJ and prevent future dislocations.
Preventing TMJ Dislocation
There are several things you can do to prevent TMJ dislocation:
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Avoid opening your mouth too wide: Be mindful of how wide you open your mouth, especially when yawning or taking large bites of food. |
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Manage stress: Stress can contribute to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which can put stress on the TMJ. |
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Maintain good oral care: Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent dental problems that can contribute to TMJ issues. |
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See an oral surgeon for TMJ problems: If you experience chronic TMJ pain or other symptoms, see an oral surgeon for evaluation and treatment. |
Conclusion
A dislocated TMJ can be a painful and inconvenient condition. However, with prompt treatment and proper care, most people can recover fully. By following the tips above, you can help prevent TMJ dislocation and maintain the health of your TMJ.
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