Description The temporomandibul...
Description
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that allows the lower jaw to move. The joint has three parts: a ball, a socket and a "disc" that sits between them. When the mouth opens, the ball slides over the disc and moves slightly out of the socket. It returns to the socket as the mouth closes. The joint is dislocated when the ball comes too far out of the socket and gets stuck in front of the disc. This prevents the mouth from closing. It happens most often when the ligaments that normally keep the ball in place are loose.
Symptoms
Jaw locked in an open position and cannot be closed, possible discomfort.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Dislocation can be diagnosed based on the position of the jaw and whether or not the mouth can be closed. X-rays confirm the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Dislocation can be diagnosed based on the position of the jaw and whether or not the mouth can be closed. X-rays confirm the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Treatment
Treatment involves relaxing the muscles around the TMJ. This may require local anesthesia, muscle relaxant or both. The jaw can then be moved back into place. In rare cases, surgery is necessary to fix the dislocation. After surgery, healing may require limiting movement of the jaw using wire or elastic bands. The outlook is excellent for returning the dislocated ball of the joint to the socket. In some people the joint may continue to become dislocated and may require surgery.