What Does a Slightly Dislocated Jaw Feel Like?

If you suspect your jaw may be slightly out of place, it’s important to look out for the following symptoms:

– Localized discomfort – Even if the dislocation is minor, issues with the jaw joint often cause pain near the front of the ears. Typically, your pain level will worsen with movement, such as chewing or talking.

– Inflammation – If you notice any swelling or tenderness around your jaw joint, it is a sign you may have experienced a jaw dislocation.

– Facial asymmetry – A slightly dislocated jaw can lead to facial asymmetry, where one side of the jaw appears slightly more prominent or shifted compared to the other side of the face.

– Changes to bite – With a minor jaw dislocation, it’s common to notice changes in your bite alignment, such as difficulty fully closing your mouth or a sensation that your upper and lower teeth do not fit together as normal.

– Muscle spasms – Muscle spasms or tightness in the jaw and neck muscles can occur due to a slightly dislocated jaw.

In addition, you may experience the feeling that your jaw is out of place or a locking sensation. In some cases, patients report a popping or clicking noise that occurs when moving the jaw. If you have ear pain or headaches, this could be a result of a slightly dislocated jaw.

Yes, in many cases, TMJ dislocation gets overlooked when it’s not assessed by a expert. As this joint is complex, it can be difficult to identify problems without an in-depth evaluation. If TMJ dislocation, even in minor instances, goes unnoticed for a prolonged period of time, the risk of permanent damage and other complications rises. Due to this, it’s strongly urged that you schedule an appointment with a TMJ professional as soon as you suspect there may be an issue with your jaw joint. Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s crucial to have the issue diagnosed before it can cause more discomfort or lead to other problems.

It is not advised to leave any type of jaw dislocation untreated, even if it is minor. While some cases of minor jaw displacement may resolve spontaneously or with self-care measures, seeing a specialist is strongly recommended. Without the expertise of a healthcare professional, it is difficult to tell if the problem has been fully resolved or if you simply stopped noticing the symptoms.

Furthermore, leaving a jaw dislocation untreated can lead to serious complications, such as permanent damage to the TMJ. To avoid chronic pain and ongoing issues, it’s essential to have your jaw thoroughly examined by a specialist. If your dislocation is minor, the specialist will be able to correct the problem with manual therapy. Additionally, it’s likely that jaw exercises, over-the-counter pain relievers, and heat or cold therapy will be recommended to reduce any lingering symptoms.

The recommended treatment for returning your jaw joint to the correct alignment will depend on the nature and severity of your dislocation. Some of the most common approaches to correcting a minor jaw dislocation include:

– Jaw exercises – A TMJ professional can recommend a variety of exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility and help the jaw align correctly. These exercises are useful for realigning the joint as well as preventing issues from recurring in the future.

– Self-care measures – By practicing good posture, using heat or cold therapy, and incorporating relaxation and stress management techniques into your daily life, you can reduce discomfort resulting from a misaligned TMJ

– Manual therapy – Healthcare professionals use manual therapy techniques to gently guide the mandible back into proper alignment, alleviate muscle tension, and improve range of motion.

– Occlusal appliances – Splints or mouthguards can be used to realign the jaw joint, as well as prevent dislocations in the future.

To determine which of these approaches is best for your circumstances, schedule a visit with one of our dedicated experts.