Dislocated Jaw Treatment Specialist in El Paso

At Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we understand that jaw health is essential to your overall well-being. A dislocated jaw—where the lower jawbone moves out of its normal position—can be particularly distressing and may require specialized care, especially for those already experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.

Recognizing the signs of a dislocated jaw is crucial for getting prompt treatment:
If your jaw is dislocated, you may find your mouth is stuck in an open position and you cannot close it completely. This is often accompanied by severe pain around the jaw joint, which can radiate to your face or ear. Many patients notice that their bite suddenly feels “off,” with the teeth no longer lining up as usual. Swelling, bruising, or difficulty speaking and controlling mouth movements—sometimes leading to drooling—are also common symptoms.

A dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jawbone (mandible) moves out of its normal position at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is essential for everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When the jaw becomes dislocated, it can be extremely painful and may make it difficult or even impossible to close your mouth, speak, or swallow properly.

At Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ-related conditions. A dislocated jaw is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to complications such as airway compromise, severe pain, inability to eat or drink, and possible injury to surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Prompt medical attention is critical to safely realign the jaw, assess for associated injuries, and manage pain.

If you suspect that you or someone you care about has suffered a jaw dislocation, it is important to seek immediate professional help. Attempting to reposition the jaw on your own can cause further damage and is not recommended. In some cases, swelling can develop and potentially impact breathing, making urgent evaluation even more important.

The team at Koala Center is experienced in managing TMJ disorders and jaw injuries. If you have concerns about TMJ dysfunction, jaw pain, or experience a sudden dislocation, please contact us right away or visit your nearest emergency room for immediate care.

What To Do While Waiting For Medical Help in Sleep, Airway, or TMJ Emergencies

If someone is experiencing a sleep-related emergency—such as severe breathing difficulties during sleep, sudden jaw locking, or acute facial pain—it’s crucial to follow these safety measures while waiting for professional care from specialists like those at Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders:

● Do not give food or drink. If the person is having trouble breathing (as can occur in severe sleep apnea episodes) or is unable to move their jaw due to a TMJ disorder, avoid giving them anything by mouth. This helps prevent choking or aspiration.

● Avoid unnecessary movement. If the person has sustained an injury to the head, neck, or jaw—such as from a fall related to sleepwalking or a TMJ dislocation—refrain from moving them unless there is immediate danger. Movement could worsen their condition, especially if there are concerns about the airway or cervical spine.

● Do not attempt to manipulate the jaw or airway. If the jaw is locked or dislocated, or if there are breathing difficulties, do not try to force the jaw open or reposition the airway yourself. Such actions can cause additional injury or distress.

● Refrain from giving medications unless instructed. Some painkillers, sedatives, or muscle relaxants may interact with unknown medical issues, especially in patients with sleep disorders or TMJ problems. Only administer medications if directed by a healthcare professional.

● Stay with the person. Conditions like sleep apnea can cause rapid changes in breathing and consciousness. Do not leave the person alone, as their condition could deteriorate quickly.

● Keep calm and communicate clearly. Your calmness can provide reassurance and help you give accurate information to emergency responders or sleep/TMJ specialists.

● Call for emergency assistance without delay. If someone is having severe breathing difficulties, cannot open or close their jaw, or is experiencing intense facial pain or swelling, prompt medical care is essential. Don’t wait—call for help right away.

After your jaw has been realigned or repositioned, it’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort in the affected area. The most intense pain typically occurs within the first few hours to a couple of days after your procedure. As your jaw heals, this discomfort should gradually decrease. For most patients, significant pain subsides within one to two weeks, but mild soreness, tenderness, or stiffness—especially when moving your jaw or chewing—can persist for several more weeks.

If your jaw was dislocated or required forceful manipulation during treatment, some swelling and bruising may also occur, contributing to discomfort. To support your recovery, our specialists recommend closely following your personalized care instructions, which may include resting your jaw, maintaining a soft diet, and taking any prescribed pain medications or anti-inflammatories. Should your pain intensify, fail to improve as expected, or if you experience symptoms such as difficulty opening your mouth, numbness, or signs of infection like fever or increasing swelling, please contact Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders promptly. Our team is dedicated to your comfort and recovery and will address any complications right away.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, difficulty closing your mouth, or challenges with speaking or eating, you may be dealing with a dislocated jaw or another temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the jaw and TMJ. A dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) moves out of its normal position at the TMJ. This can result in significant discomfort and may require prompt medical attention to reposition the jaw and prevent further complications. Our experienced providers are dedicated to assessing your condition through a thorough physical examination and, if needed, advanced imaging. From there, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include manual repositioning of the jaw, pain management, and individualized follow-up care to support your recovery and address any underlying TMJ issues that may have contributed to the dislocation.

It is important not to attempt to move your jaw back into place on your own, as this can cause further injury. If you suspect your jaw is dislocated, we encourage you to contact Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders right away to discuss your symptoms and schedule an evaluation. Our team is equipped with the expertise and technology necessary to provide the care you need for TMJ disorders and jaw dislocations, helping you return to comfortable, healthy function as soon as possible. For more information, call us today to book an appointment or visit our clinic conveniently located at 6901 Helen of Troy, Suite D-2, El Paso, TX 79911. We serve patients from El Paso TX, Fort Bliss TX, Canutillo TX, Vinton TX and Northeast El Paso TX. We look forward to serving you!