TVOFS - Boise Office
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Posted on 10/30/2019 by Cole Anderson, DMD, MS |
 The temporomandibular joint is where the jaw connects to the skull. For some that suffer from TMJ disorder, there are symptoms such as pain. While TMJ disorder is one of the problems with the joint, the possibility of it becoming dislocated is another. There are a few reasons that this can happen and when it does, there are a few options to treat it.Many Reasons for DislocationIt is possible to dislocate your TMJ in a number of ways. One of the most common ways is through some form of trauma. When the jaw is struck by an object, it could cause one or both joints to become dislocated. While some type of trauma can cause a dislocation, it is not the most common cause. The most common cause is opening the mouth too wide. People can do this when they are yawning, or if they try to eat something that is bigger than their mouth. It can happen if they are yelling and open their mouth too wide. Any activity that causes a person to open and close their mouth repeatedly can lead to a dislocation. Getting TreatmentThere are different degrees of dislocation that range from a minor problem to severe dislocations. Treatment usually involves manually putting the jaw back into its proper place. If that does not work, medications can relax the jaw muscles enough to allow for the manual manipulation of the jaw. When that does not work, surgery becomes a possibility. After the jaw is reset, it is important to provide support to prevent another dislocation as the jaw heals. Anyone that has suffered from a dislocated jaw is more likely to have it happen again. If you even slightly suspect that your TMJ could be dislocated, call our office immediately. |
