What is a jaw dislocation?
A person with a jaw dislocation has abnormal alignment between the mandible and the skull. The jaw forms a hinge joint with the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The mandible has come out of place when it is dislocated. Dislocations occur when the bones are forced to move beyond the normal range of motion. Common causes of jaw dislocations include sports injuries, altercations, and motor vehicle accidents.

What are the symptoms of a jaw dislocation?
Symptoms of a jaw dislocation include jaw pain over the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ), difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, jaw tenderness, and inability to close the jaw normally. When the jaw is dislocated, the teeth do not line up correctly, which is called malocclusion.

How does the doctor treat a jaw dislocation?
Treatment for a jaw dislocation may include narcotic pain medications and placement of the jaw joint back to its normal position.