Can a Dislocated Jaw Heal on Its Own, or Does It Always Need Treatment?

In rare and very mild cases, a partially dislocated jaw—often referred to as a subluxation—may slip back into place without formal medical intervention. This usually occurs when the jaw briefly moves out of alignment during yawning or wide mouth opening and quickly returns to its normal position. However, a true jaw dislocation, where the lower jaw becomes locked out of place, does not typically heal on its own.

Once the jaw is fully dislocated, surrounding muscles often spasm and tighten, making self-correction difficult and sometimes impossible. Attempting to force the jaw back into place without proper technique can worsen the injury, leading to ligament damage, fractures, or nerve irritation. For this reason, most confirmed jaw dislocations require evaluation and reduction by a medical or dental professional trained in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) care.

Delaying treatment in hopes that the jaw will realign naturally increases the risk of chronic instability and repeat dislocations in the future.

Certain symptoms strongly suggest that a jaw dislocation requires immediate medical attention rather than watchful waiting. One of the most obvious signs is the inability to close the mouth normally. Patients may find their jaw locked in an open position or shifted noticeably to one side.

Pain is often significant and may radiate into the ears, temples, or neck. Swelling around the jaw joint, difficulty speaking clearly, drooling, or trouble swallowing are also common. Some individuals experience numbness or tingling in the face, which can indicate nerve involvement.

If the dislocation follows trauma—such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident—urgent care is especially important to rule out fractures or associated head and neck injuries. Any jaw dislocation accompanied by severe pain, facial asymmetry, or breathing difficulty should be treated as a medical priority.

Leaving a dislocated jaw untreated can lead to both short-term and long-term complications. In the immediate phase, prolonged dislocation increases inflammation and muscle spasm, making later reduction more difficult and painful. The longer the jaw remains out of place, the more resistant the surrounding tissues become to repositioning.

Over time, untreated dislocations can stretch or damage the ligaments that stabilize the TMJ, increasing the likelihood of recurrent dislocations. Chronic instability may develop, where the jaw slips out of place during routine activities like talking or eating.

There is also a risk of joint degeneration. Repeated or prolonged dislocation can contribute to cartilage wear, arthritis of the TMJ, chronic jaw pain, headaches, and clicking or grinding sensations. In severe cases, untreated dislocations can affect bite alignment and lead to long-term functional problems that require more advanced intervention.

Healing time after a jaw dislocation varies depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment is received. When the jaw is promptly reduced and no significant tissue damage has occurred, initial recovery may take a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, patients are often advised to limit jaw movement, avoid wide mouth opening, and follow a soft-food diet.

If ligaments or muscles have been overstretched, healing can take several weeks. In these cases, supportive treatments such as physical therapy, jaw stabilization appliances, or TMJ-focused care may be recommended to restore strength and prevent recurrence.

For patients with repeated dislocations or underlying TMJ disorders, recovery may be longer and involve a comprehensive treatment plan addressing jaw mechanics, muscle balance, and contributing factors like bruxism or sleep-related jaw tension.

Every jaw dislocation is different, which is why personalized evaluation is essential. A proper assessment does more than simply put the jaw back into place—it identifies why the dislocation occurred in the first place. Factors such as joint anatomy, bite alignment, muscle tension, and sleep-related jaw activity all play a role.

Specialists trained in TMJ and jaw disorders focus on stabilizing the joint, reducing inflammation, and preventing repeat injuries. This personalized approach often includes education on jaw-safe movements, targeted therapies to relax overactive muscles, and, when appropriate, custom oral appliances designed to protect the joint during sleep.

Addressing the underlying cause not only speeds healing but also helps patients avoid chronic pain, repeated dislocations, and long-term joint damage.

If you suspect your jaw is dislocated—even if pain seems manageable—it is always safer to seek professional evaluation. Early treatment improves outcomes, reduces complications, and shortens recovery time. Jaw pain, locking, or facial asymmetry should never be ignored, especially when symptoms interfere with basic functions like eating or speaking.

Can a dislocated jaw cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes, jaw dislocations often irritate nearby muscles and nerves, leading to headaches and ear-related pain.

Is a jaw dislocation the same as TMJ disorder?
No, but repeated dislocations can contribute to or worsen TMJ disorders over time.

Can jaw dislocations happen during sleep?
Yes, severe clenching or underlying joint instability can allow dislocations to occur during sleep in some individuals.