Jaw Dislocation
Jaw dislocation refers to the dislocation of the lower jaw from its normal position in the jaw joint. This occurs when the mandibular condyle (the head of the lower jaw) slips out of the socket of the temporal bone, often caused by excessive mouth opening, such as during yawning, laughing, trauma, or dental procedures.
The affected person cannot close their mouth and experiences severe pain and functional impairment of the jaw joint. Additional symptoms may include swelling, muscle pain, and restricted jaw mobility.
Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and sometimes supported by imaging techniques such as X-rays.
Treatment typically involves manually repositioning the jaw. In severe or recurrent cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. After repositioning, rest and, if needed, physiotherapy are essential to stabilize jaw function and prevent future dislocations.