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Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

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Jaw Dislocation or Fracture

The mandible (jawbone) can become dislocated from the temporomandibular joint fairly easily; extreme force may fracture the mandible.

What is it?

Dislocation of the jaw occurs when the lower jawbone (mandible) becomes displaced from one or both of the joints connecting it to the base of the skull (temporomandibular joints). Because these joints tend to be unstable, they are the ones most commonly dislocated, and recurrences are likely following an initial incident. A jaw fracture is a break in the mandible, usually due to a forceful blow. A severe jaw fracture warrants emergency care.

What Causes It?

  • Automobile crashes, industrial accidents, and falls are the most common causes of jaw injury. Sports injuries and physical assault are also common causes.
  • Some people have especially weak temporomandibular joints, so that opening the mouth very widely—for example during yawning or eating a large sandwich—may cause the jaw to dislocate.

Prevention

  • Wear seat belts in the car.
  • Use a helmet if you ride a motorcycle or bicycle.
  • Wear headgear with a jaw protector when playing sports.

Diagnosis

  • Patient history and physical examination.
  • X-rays of the jawbone (mandible) and temporomandibular joints.
  • CT (computed tomography) scans of the facial and skull bones.

How to Treat It

  • A simple dislocated jaw often may be guided or manipulated back into place. However, recurrent dislocations warrant examination by a doctor.
  • Get to an emergency room for more serious jaw injuries (fractures or very painful dislocations).
  • The doctor or oral surgeon may insert a tube through the mouth and into the throat to ease breathing.
  • The doctor will reset the jaw manually (for a minor dislocation) or surgically (for a severe dislocation or fracture). After it is reset, a fractured jaw is immobilized by wiring the upper and lower teeth together while the bones heal. Recurrent dislocations require similar treatment.
  • More complicated fractures may require a surgical procedure to access and join the fractured segments.
  • A liquid diet is necessary during recovery (a fracture may take up to six weeks to mend).
  • Analgesics and muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
  • During recovery from a dislocation, avoid opening your mouth too widely. For example, put your fist under your jaw when yawning, and try not to talk too much.

When to Call a Doctor

  • EMERGENCY See a doctor, oral surgeon, or call an ambulance if you sustain a serious jaw injury.