The joint on each side of our jaw is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and it connects the lower jawbone to our skull. Sometimes injuries, trauma, or other factors move the lower jaw from its usual position, resulting in jaw dislocation. As a result, your jaw feels out of place on one side or both, and it causes trouble in daily tasks like eating or sleeping. Keep reading to learn the possible symptoms, causes, and treatments of a dislocated jaw.
Dislocated Jaw Symptoms
Your jaw might feel out of place on one side or both. Other than this, you might also experience:
- Pain in the TMJ which gets worse with jaw movements
- Difference in the way your teeth line up, causing changes to your bite
- Difficulty talking, speaking, and swallowing
- Problems with jaw movements and closing mouth properly
- Drooling
- Jaw locking or sticking forwards
Why Your Jaw Feels Out of Place on One Side?
The jaw cartilage pops out of place for several reasons. Looking at the symptoms and causes can help you treat them accordingly. Some common reasons your jaw feels out of place on one side are:
- Injuries or trauma that have a direct impact on the jaw, like falling face forwards or accidents.
- Opening mouth too wide, like eating, yawning, or vomiting, can also be why the jaw pops out of place.
- TMJ disorder is also a cause of pain, jaw dislocation, or joint noises.
Treatments for Dislocated Jaw
A jaw feels out of place on one side or both when it pops out of the socket. Your topmost priority should be to visit your doctor. Remember never to attempt popping it back in place yourself.
First, your oral healthcare provider will diagnose a dislocated jaw with an x-ray and physical examination. Then, they will manipulate it back in place manually, but sometimes it might require surgery. Furthermore, you will not feel any pain since you will receive a local anesthetic. Your dentist might also give some medication so the jaw can move back in place properly with no discomfort.
After the procedure, your healthcare provider will cover the jaw in bandages to keep it stable. Moreover, it will prevent you from opening your mouth too wide. After you get a dislocated jaw, avoid moving or opening your mouth too wide for 6 weeks.
Tips to Speed Recovery for a Jaw that Feels Out of Place
Some tips that might be useful to speed up the recovery of a dislocated jaw are:
- Hold the jaw in place using your hand or a loose bandage.
- Support your jaw with your hand whenever you sneeze and yawn, especially if you have TMJ.
- After treatment, use cold compresses for 10-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- Eat soft foods like soup, canned fruit, canned meat, rice, etc.
- Don’t chew gum, open your mouth wide, or clench the jaw if you have TMJ.
- Wear a mouth guard at night
- Perform exercises to relax and strengthen your jaw.
What Now?
You might have dislocation in your jaw if it feels out of place on one side. Hence, you should contact a reputable dentist, like our specialist at VP Family Dental. Give us a ring at 281-376-4444 to schedule an appointment.