What Are the Main Causes of Jaw Dislocation?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation—commonly referred to as “jaw dislocation”—is primarily characterized by the patient’s mouth remaining persistently open, inability to close the mouth, drooling, slurred speech, difficulty chewing and swallowing, inability to bite with the front teeth, forward protrusion of the mandible, and facial elongation. In cases of unilateral joint dislocation, the chin and lower anterior teeth may deviate toward the unaffected side. So, what are the main causes of jaw dislocation?
What Are the Main Causes of Jaw Dislocation?
Jaw dislocation may be associated with calcium deficiency. Frequent jaw dislocations often occur when the mouth is suddenly opened widely, causing the temporomandibular joint to dislocate. Following dislocation, patients experience severe pain and are unable to open their mouths. Prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is essential; under professional guidance, the jaw should be promptly reduced (repositioned), and the underlying cause identified based on diagnostic findings. If calcium deficiency is confirmed, daily calcium supplementation is recommended to meet the body’s calcium requirements, and excessive mouth opening should be avoided in daily life.
Upon diagnosis of TMJ dislocation, immediate referral to a hospital for reduction by a specialist is imperative. Following successful reduction, the mandible must be immobilized for 2–3 weeks to allow healing of overstretched or injured ligaments, attachments of the articular disc, and the joint capsule. If reduction is delayed, periarticular soft tissues may undergo fibrotic proliferation and masticatory muscles may develop spasm over time, potentially leading to chronic (old) dislocation.
The primary causes of mandibular joint dislocation include joint laxity, insufficient muscular and ligamentous restraint, trauma, and capsular restriction resulting in abnormal protrusion of the condyle. In most such cases, pharmacological treatment yields poor or negligible efficacy. For patients with recurrent (habitual) dislocation, sclerosing agent injections may be considered. When conservative measures fail or are unsuitable, surgical intervention may also be an option. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
