The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible to the temporal bone. Dislocations occur when these bones detach from one another. The most common type of dislocation is anterior, where the lower jaw shifts forward when the mouth opens too wide. Dislocations can cause inability to close the mouth fully, misaligned teeth, pain, and difficulty talking or eating. Treatment focuses on self-care, reducing inflammation, physical therapy, and splinting. For chronic or severe cases, a multidisciplinary team may be needed to properly manage the condition.

1. Temporomandibular Joint
Dislocation

2. Dislocation of Jaws
• Dislocations occur when two bones that originally met at the joint detach.
• Dislocations should not be confused with Subluxation.
• Subluxation is when the joint is still partially attached to the bone.

3. Anatomy of TMJ

4. Anatomy of TMJ
• The joint involved with jaw dislocation is the TMJ.
• This joint is located where the mandibular condyles and the temporal bones meet.
• For the mouth to close, it requires the masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoid
muscle.
• For the jaw to open, it requires the lateral pterygoid muscle.

5. Pathophysiology
• Different positions of jaw dislocation
• Posterior
• Anterior
• Superior
• Lateral.

6. Pathophysiology
• The most common position is anterior it shifts the lower jaw
forward if the mouth excessively opens.
• This dislocation may happen bilaterally or unilaterally after
yawning.
• Affected muscles are the masseter and temporalis which pull up
on the mandible and the lateral pterygoid which relaxes
the mandibular condyle.

7. Pathophysiology
• Posterior dislocation is common for
people who get injured after being
punched in the chin.
• This dislocation will push the jaw back
affecting the alignment of
the mandibular condyle and mastoid.

8. Pathophysiology
• Superior dislocations occur after
being punched as the mouth remains
open. Since great force occurs in a
punch, the angle of the jaw will be
forced upward moving towards the
condylar head.

9. Pathophysiology
• Lateral dislocations move
the jaw away from the skull
and are likely to happen with
other jaw fractures

10. Symptoms
• Symptoms depends on the severity of the dislocation injury and how long the person
is inflicted with the injury.
• Symptoms of a dislocated jaw include
• Abnormal bite
• Difficulty in talking or moving jaw
• Not able to close mouth completely
• Drooling due to not being able to shut mouth completely
• Teeth are out of alignment

11. Symptoms
• Immediate symptom
• A loud crunch noise occurring right up against the ear drum. This is instantly followed
by excruciating pain, particularly in the side where the dislocation occurred.
• Short-term symptoms
• Mild to chronic headaches
• Muscle tension or pain in the face
• Pain in jaw and neck.

12. Symptoms
Long-term symptoms can result in
• Sleep deprivation
• Tiredness/lethargy
• Frustration
• Bursts of anger
• Depression
• Social issues relating to difficulty talking
• Hearing sensitivity
• Possible causing subsequent facial
asymmetry.

13. Symptoms
• Symptoms of a fractured jaw include
• bleeding coming from the mouth,
• unable to open the mouth wide without pain,
• bruising and swelling of the face,
• difficulty eating due to the constant pain,
• loss of feeling in the face (more specifically the lower lip)
• lacks full range of motion of the jaw.

14. Treatment
• Most temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are self-limiting and do not get
worse.
• Simple treatment, involving self-care practices, rehabilitation aimed at
eliminating muscle spasms, and restoring correct coordination, is all that is
required.
• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) should be used on a
short-term, regular basis and not on an as needed basis.

15. Treatment
• Treatment of chronic TMD can be difficult and the condition is best managed
by a team approach; the team consists of a primary care physician, a dentist,
a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a pharmacologist, and a surgeon.
• The different modalities include
• Patient education and self-care practices,
• Medication,
• Physical therapy
• Splints, psychological counselling, relaxation techniques,