You cannot usually tell if your jaw is out of alignment since your teeth seemingly look perfect! On the flip side, there may be times when you spot a wobbly tooth and think your jaw is gone for good; that is not right either. You should have basic knowledge about your oral cavity, enough to know when it is an emergency and when you can wait for a regular appointment. In this blog, we have detailed multiple ways to identify a dislocated jaw.
What’s Meant By “Jaw Dislocation”
Jaw dislocation is a condition where the lower jaw moves out of its normal place. If you notice the change, seek medical help as soon as possible and never try putting it back in place yourself.
Identifying Signs Of Jaw Dislocation
Some of the common signs that show up when your jaw dislocates are sore TMJ joints, swallowing issues, excessive drooling, etc.
- Sore TMJ Joints: In case your jaw makes clicking sounds, or your TMJ point hurts, it may indicate dislocation.
- Bite Issues: Sudden changes in your teeth positioning is a major sign.
- Speech Stumble: If the words coming out of your mouth are not as clear as they used to be, your jaw might need an alignment job.
- Struggling to open your mouth: Not being able to open your mouth properly is a clear-cut sign of jaw issues.
- Swallowing Issues: If eating and drinking are not happening naturally with ease, your jaw might be the culprit.
- Excessive drooling: Drooling more than usual? Your jaw could be the one to blame.
How do Dentists Treat a Dislocated Jaw?
There are many options available; one such is manual reduction. In this technique, your dentist gently moves the misplaced jawbone back into place. They do it by placing their thumbs on either side of your mouth with fingers under your chin and then gently pushing your jawbone back where it should be. If you are worried about the pain and discomfort, don’t be, your mouth will be numbed prior to this.
Consider a dislocated jaw as a medical emergency. There may be people to treat your dislocated jaw with a manual reduction process if they are trained right away. However, if you delay treatment, it lessens the chances of manual reduction to work.
Once your face is no longer good enough to be dealt with by manual placement, your next option is surgery. It aims to tighten the connection between your jawbone and TMJ – temporomandibular joint by shortening the ligaments connecting your jawbone to the skull.
Closing Note
You can drop The Smile Artisans at 18121 Tuckerton Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77433 for an in-depth evaluation with a professional dental care expert, or dial (832) 220-6087 to connect with us.