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Dislocation of the jaw

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What is a dislocated jaw?

Dislocation of the mandible occurs due to abnormal displacement of the head joint from its normal location. This disrupts the normal functioning of the jaw, limiting her mobility and causing pain.

Dislocation of the jaw applies only to the lower because the upper jaw is stationary. The lower jaw to the temporal bone attaches special pair of the temporomandibular joint. He leads the lower jaw in motion.

The head joint can slip out of its normal position, being in front of the tubercle of the temporal bone. This is due to the sharp movements of the jaw or under the influence of an external force.

According to research results, a dislocation of the jaw is more frequently diagnosed in women than in men. This fact is explained by the peculiarities of the temporomandibular composition. Glenoid fossa in men deeper, so the joints are fastened more securely and move them harder. With dislocation of the head of the joint moves forward. In some cases, its displacement in other directions: backward or to the side.

Dislocation depending on the causes and nature of the damage affecting either one side of the jaw, or both. So when diagnosing you must do full x-rays of the facial part of the skull. Received a dislocation of the lower jaw, as soon as possible to seek help from professionals. Because it can lead to serious consequences: the weakening of the ligamentous-capsular apparatus, deformation of the articular elements, changes in the structure, size and shape of the disks located between the joints.


Causes of dislocated jaw

Dislocation of the lower jaw may occur due to cry, a strong yawn, while eating or vomiting, that is, in those moments, when sharply and widely opens his mouth (trying to bite off too big a piece of food may also cause dislocation of the jaw.). Can harm and bad habits to open bottles or packaging with your teeth, excessively straining the jaw.

There are cases of damage caused by heavy impact. With dislocation of the lower jaw faced by professional athletes wrestlers and boxers. To cause displacement of the articular head you, crunching too hard and tough food, such as nut shell. In order to protect the jaw from injury, avoid too sharp and quick movements duringyawning and chewing.

Dislocation of the lower jaw may be non-traumatic in nature. For example, some diseases, among them rheumatism, gout, osteomyelitis, polio, arthritis or arthrosis, cause relaxation of the ligaments, resulting in reduced height of the joint, and its shape is deformed.

In women due to the smaller depth of the glenoid fossa to displace the head of the joint easier. Accordingly, the dislocation of the jaw they have more often than men.


Symptoms of jaw dislocation

Regardless of the form of dislocation of the jaw, there are some common symptoms that help to identify him. These include difficulty in opening and closing of the mouth, extension or misalignment of the mandible relative to the norm, trouble speaking, severe salivation, and a sharp pain in lower jaw, radiating to the temple.

In addition, the dislocation of the jaw is accompanied by severe pain in the parotid region and in the district of the lower jaw. The patient loses the ability to speak articulately, so how can not close his mouth. There is an increased salivation. Depending on the type of dislocation, the pain may only cover one or both sides of the skull. Externally visible changes in the position of the mandible. It can be extended forward or twisted.

To diagnose a dislocation of the jaw is possible and when viewed from the outside, but to differentiate it from a fracture, needs x-ray examination.

Independently reduce a jaw luxation will not succeed. As soon as possible to contact the experts. However, as a first aid should cover the patient's mouth with a handkerchief to avoid ingress of dust and foreign bodies. Jaw temporarily to support a bandage. To ease the pain helps applying cold.

Types of jaw dislocations

Dislocations of the lower jaw klassificeret on a variety of grounds. For example, dislocations can be unilateral or bilateral:

  • Bilateral. In most cases there is a bilateral dislocation. While a person is fully opened mouth, and the jaw pushed forward. There is also abundant salivation, difficulties in swallowing and speech.
  • One-sided. Unilateral dislocation of the jaw are more rare: headonly one joint out of its normal position, whereby the mouth is opened, and the jaw is shifted in a healthy way.
  • Full. Dislocations can be full (articular surfaces are not in contact) and incomplete (surface contact part).
  • Incomplete. Partial dislocations are called subluxations. If the jaw dislocation is accompanied by rupture of the soft tissues (skin, tendons, blood vessels), it is called complicated. When gaps exist, talking about a simple sprain. Depending, forward or backward, there was a displacement of the head joint, dislocations are divided into front and rear.
  • The usual. If dislocation of the mandible can cause weak yawning or slight pressure on the jaw, it is called familiar. To lead to its occurrence anatomical features of the temporal bone. Habitual dislocation of the mandible is possible with flat articular tubercle or head. Often he is revealed in the weakening of the ligaments of the joint or stretching of the joint capsule. All these factors lead to the fact that while yawning or sneezing head changes its position and formed a habitual dislocation. In contrast to all other kinds of contortions to deal with them yourself. But to prevent subsequent displacement of the articular head helps only surgery. To cope with habitual dislocation produces an increase in the height of the articular tubercle, or the depth of the glenoid cavity, strengthening the joint capsule. In some cases it is possible to create additional support for the articular head, which allows you to lock it into position.
  • Back. The reason for this dislocation is, as a rule, the blow falling on the chin. The lower jaw moves backwards. Posterior dislocation is dangerous as it leads to rupture of the capsule of the joint and damage to the bone wall of the meatus. As a result, the patient can open the ear bleed.

Diagnosis and treatment

Confirm the presence of a dislocation the doctor will be able by x-rays. After the diagnosis is made the reduction of the jaw. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

First and foremost, treatment of dislocation of the jaw is to reposition the jaw joint into its usual place. It must be done by a doctor, but the hospital needs to take first aid measures, locking in the jaw with a handkerchief. After reposition of the dislocation of the victim to impose a tight immobilizing bandage, immobilize the jaw for one or two weeks. At this time, need to give up solid food, preferring rubbed soups and porridges.

Reduction rear dislocationis carried out similarly, only the thumbs are placed behind the teeth of wisdom. After the procedure the doctor puts a bandage to wear which will have in a few weeks. With habitual dislocation can be overcome by surgical methods, however if it is caused by other diseases, you must cure them.

Chronic dislocations of the jaw right under anesthesia (General or local), and they are treated for longer: wear the pressure bandage or a special orthopedic devices account for up to three weeks. In General, the outcome of this disease is favorable. Only in severe cases, you may need surgery, after which there is a likelihood of difficulty in mobility of the lower jaw.

During the recovery period after injuries of the lower jaw should not eat solid and hard foods. It is recommended to drink porridge, soup and other soft foods. It is impossible to open your mouth wide, so you should suppress a yawn, not a scream. Habitual dislocation may be caused by a large amount of food in your mouth, so you have to eat slowly, biting off small pieces.