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Signs Your TMJ is Dislocated


Posted on 12/15/2018 by Vladana Babcic Tal DMD
Signs Your TMJ is DislocatedMany people have heard of the term TMJ. They may or may not know that it is short for temporomandibular joint. They may realize that problems with this joint are often painful and can cause a variety of symptoms. What they do not know is that it is possible to dislocate this joint. Knowing the signs of a dislocation can prevent more damage from happening and help a person get the treatment they need.

The Most Obvious Sign

The Temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is what allows people to open and close their mouth. The most obvious sign that there is a dislocation of the joint on either or on both sides of the jaw is when the jaw becomes locked in place. The mouth is left open and you are unable to shut it because of the dislocation.

This is not just an embarrassing situation. While no one wants to walk around with their mouth wide open, there are other things about this condition that require immediate attention. Before the problem gets worse, it is a good idea to know what happened and how to manage it.

Treatment for Dislocation of TMJ

People can suffer a dislocation of the TMJ in a variety of ways. Some people have a joint that is loose and prone to this problem. Others suffer a trauma that causes the dislocation. The treatment for either of these problems is the same. The joint is manually put back into place allow the person to open and close their mouth again. This is done with the help of pain medications, muscle relaxers and good technique.

While putting the joint back into place fixes the problem, it may not always resolve the issue. It takes time to heal from any dislocation. The muscles need to regain their strength. A person must follow good aftercare instructions to prevent it from happening again.

Our dental professionals are ready to help you with this or any other oral health issue. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

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Cameo Dental Specialists, 148 N. Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 - (630) 425-4488 - cameods.com - 9/28/2023 - Associated Words: Oral Surgeon Chicago IL -