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Jaw Dislocation that Goes Untreated: Risks and What to Know

Published on

April 24
2025

About the Author

Table of contents

1.Introduction

2.Symtoms of a dislocated jaw

3.Risks of an Untreated Dislocated jaw

4.Prevention and Treatment of Jaw Dislocation

5.Conclusion

A Jaw dislocation occurs when the lower jaw bone (mandible) is displaced out of its position at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It can result from trauma, excessive mouth opening, or a condition affecting joint stability. While some are handled immediately, untreated dislocated causes serious complications with the daily activities of eating, talking, and sometimes even breathing. Also, knowing the symptoms of a dislocated jaw helps in taking prompt measures to prevent this condition from becoming dangerous.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Jaw

Recognizing the symptoms of an untreated dislocated jaw is key to getting timely treatment. Some common ones include:
  • Pain in the jaw or face of a severe degree
  • Inability to close or open the mouth properly
  • Misalignment of the lower jaw
  • Inability to speak or chew comfortably
  • Swelling and bruising around the jaw joint
  • A sensation at the TMJ of clicking or popping sound
These jaw dislocation symptoms are a persisting call for immediate medical intervention thus preventing further complications.

Risks of an Untreated Dislocated Jaw

Ignoring the jaw dislocation symptoms can lead to several short- and long-term issues. Here is what can happen if a dislocated jaw goes untreated:

1. Chronic Pain and Dysfunction

An untreated dislocated jaw may play a huge role in causing long-lasting pain and dysfunction in TMJ. It may develop into chronic TMD, causing prolonged pain and limited movement of the jaw.

Chronic Pain and Dysfunction

2. Develop An Increased Risk of Recurrence

Where the jaw was dislocated and not handled well, ligaments, and muscles tend to lose their strength. This leads to more incidence of dislocation after minor stress applied to the jaw, yawning, for instance, or chewing.

3. Joint Damage and Arthritis

Ongoing jaw dislocation is a key culprit of excess pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with possible damage to the TMJ. Over time, what develops is osteoarthritis within the jaw that leads to irreversible joint damage and physical impairment.

4. Difficulty with eating and speaking

Your wrongly positioned jaw dislocation can affect your chewing and speaking activities. This can greatly deprive a person of proper nutrition and a means of speech, effectively denying him a good quality of life.

Difficulty with eating and speaking (1)

5. Breathing difficulties

Under some circumstances, untreated jaw dislocation obstructs the airway, which is a serious problem if untreated; there is an even higher barrier if the patient suffers from other underlying conditions such as previous respiratory infections or sleep apnea.

6. Infections and Swelling

Untreated jaw dislocations can make the area vulnerable to infections, especially when coupled with some tissue injury. The pain will somewhat swell up with swelling and inflammation, and the complication may further handicap the patient, requiring complicated medical interventions.
tissue injury

Prevention and Treatment of Jaw Dislocation

If you have an untreated dislocated jaw, or you have started noticing the jaw dislocation symptoms, immediate medical attention is the best way to manage a dislocated jaw symptom. Treatment involves:
  •  Manual reduction of the dislocated jaw by a qualified healthcare provider
  • Pain management-Use of medications and cold compresses for relieving pain
  • Surgical intervention-For malalignment or repeated dislocation.
  • Physical therapy is needed to strengthen the jaw muscles and avert future dislocations.
Prevention involves keeping from too large mouth openings, preventing trauma to the face, and making TMJ natural health by practicing good posture and relaxation techniques.

Conclusion

Jaw dislocations are not only temporary nuisances; they can easily have relatively serious consequences if symptoms of a dislocated jaw are left untreated. Undoubtedly, prompt recognition of jaw dislocation and promptly seeking professional aid may help in preventing chronic pain and further arrhythmia within the TMJ. Hence, should one suspect or elevate dislocation, immediate care must be sought to assure complete and safe recovery. The Right Bite Sleep and TMJ Pain Care emphasizes the importance of early intervention for effective treatment and long-term jaw health

To treat the most complex of TMJ problems, contact us at TMJ India and get your appointment with our TMJ experts today! 
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