Manually pushing a dislocated jaw back into place is a medical procedure performed by a healthcare professional. You should not attempt to do this yourself. Here's a breakdown of how it's typically done:
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Assessment: A doctor will first assess the situation to confirm the jaw is dislocated and rule out other injuries.
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Anesthesia/Sedation: Because manipulating a dislocated jaw is painful, the doctor will usually administer a sedative, local anesthetic, or general anesthesia to relax the muscles and minimize discomfort.
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Manual Manipulation: The doctor will then use their hands to reposition the jaw. A common technique involves:
- Thumb Placement: The doctor will place their thumbs on the lower molars (back teeth) inside the mouth. To protect their thumbs from being bitten, gauze or another protective material may be used.
- Finger Placement: The fingers are then placed under the chin, providing support.
- Gentle Pressure: The doctor applies gentle, downward and backward pressure to the jaw. This aims to overcome the muscle spasms and guide the jawbone back into its socket (the temporomandibular joint).
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Post-Reduction Care: After the jaw is successfully repositioned, the doctor may:
- Apply a Barton bandage: This bandage supports the jaw and limits movement while it heals.
- Prescribe pain medication: To manage any residual pain or discomfort.
- Recommend a soft food diet: To avoid stressing the jaw joint.
- Provide instructions for jaw exercises: To strengthen the muscles and prevent future dislocations.
Important Considerations:
- Dislocated jaw is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention. Do not try to fix it yourself.
- Muscle spasms can make reduction difficult. Anesthesia and muscle relaxants are often necessary.
- Recurrent dislocations are possible. Lifestyle changes, exercises, and sometimes surgery may be required to prevent future occurrences.
