Mandibular Dislocation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A mandibular dislocation is a movement of your mandible (lower jaw) out of its place. You will not be able to put it back on your own. Normally, your jawbones (upper and lower jaw) meet in front of your ears, at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is like the hinge of a door that lets you open or close your mouth. Your jawbones are held together and supported by ligaments and muscles. With mandibular dislocation, one or both sides of your lower jaw may be away from the TMJ. Your lower jaw may have moved forward, backward, up or down, or to the side. A mandibular dislocation may occur suddenly and may become chronic (long-lasting) and happen again and again.
  
  
• You may get a mandibular dislocation with a blow (hit) to your chin. Your jawbone may also become dislocated if you open your mouth too wide. It may also happen if you have a problem with the bones, muscles, or ligaments in your TMJ. Tests, such as x-rays or a CT scan may be done to check if your jaw is dislocated. Treatment is done to put your jawbones back in place and keep them stable to prevent another dislocation. This may include manual reduction, use of a sclerosing agent, devices, and surgery. You may also be given medicine for your pain and tight jaw muscles. With early treatment, your jawbone will be put back into its normal position and serious problems may be prevented.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Self-care:

• Activities: After having a reduction, exercise your jaw by opening and closing your mouth many times a day. If possible, avoid activities that cause you to open your mouth widely, such as yawning and laughing. Support your jaw whenever you do these activities. A bandage may be wrapped around your head and jaw if you had a chronic dislocation. This may help stop your jaw from opening too wide and having another dislocation. You may also use a head-chin strap. Follow your caregiver's instructions about activities that may be helpful.
  
  
• Diet: You may need to stay on a soft diet for some time after your jaw is put back in place. Soft foods include applesauce, baby food, bananas, cooked cereal, cottage cheese, eggs, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt.
  
  
• Ice: Apply an ice pack over your TMJ area for up to 48 hours. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Packages of small vegetables in a thin towel can be used instead of an ice pack.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your symptoms do not get better, or get worse.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition, treatment or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your jawbone moves out of place again.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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