The most common way to get your jaw back to normal, if it's dislocated, is through a manual reduction performed by a healthcare provider.
Here's a breakdown of what that entails:
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Manual Reduction: A healthcare provider will gently manipulate your jawbone back into its correct position. This procedure typically involves:
- The provider placing their thumbs inside your mouth on the lower molars.
- Positioning their fingers under your chin.
- Gently pushing downward on your molars and guiding your chin upward and back. This motion coaxes the jaw back into its joint.
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Anesthesia: Due to the potential discomfort, you'll likely receive some form of anesthesia. This could be:
- Local Anesthesia: numbs the area.
- Sedation: helps you relax and may make you drowsy.
- General Anesthesia: puts you completely to sleep (less common).
Important Considerations:
- Seek Professional Help: Do not attempt to relocate your jaw yourself. Doing so can cause further injury. Go to the nearest emergency room or see your dentist immediately.
- Underlying Causes: Dislocation can happen for a variety of reasons, including trauma, excessive opening of the mouth (yawning, dental procedures), or underlying joint issues. Addressing the root cause is important to prevent future dislocations.
- Post-Reduction Care: After the jaw is back in place, your doctor may recommend:
- Pain medication.
- A soft diet.
- Applying ice packs.
- Limiting jaw movement (avoiding wide yawning or chewing gum).
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve range of motion.
- Recurrent Dislocations: If you experience recurrent jaw dislocations, further evaluation and treatment (such as surgery or Botox injections into the jaw muscles) may be necessary.
In summary, the standard procedure to return your jaw to normal after a dislocation is manual reduction performed by a medical professional, often accompanied by anesthesia and followed by post-reduction care to promote healing and prevent future occurrences.
