The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that plays a role in important daily functions such as chewing and speaking. Located just in front of the ears, it is a highly mobile joint. However, problems can sometimes arise in this joint. Commonly referred to as jaw dislocation, these issues may manifest with the following symptoms:

✔️ Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint
✔️ Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
✔️ Pain in the head, neck, jaw, and ears
✔️ Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
✔️ Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Such problems can create imbalances in the chewing system, leading to tooth wear, gum recession, and even tooth fractures. This is because the jaw joint and dental occlusion must work in harmony. If this harmony is disrupted, it can negatively affect dental and joint health over time.

What Causes Jaw Dislocation?

Jaw joint problems can have many causes. Typically, the following factors contribute to jaw dislocation:
1️⃣ Dental occlusion issues (misaligned teeth causing jaw dislocation during biting)
2️⃣ Postural problems (poor posture, neck flattening, scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.)
3️⃣ Stress (muscle hyperactivity, teeth grinding, and clenching)
4️⃣ Habits (nail-biting, thumb-sucking, lip or cheek biting, etc.)
5️⃣ Trauma (accidents or blows to the jaw area)
When one or more of these factors are present, jaw dislocation and functional disorders may occur. Therefore, each patient should be thoroughly evaluated, and a personalized treatment plan should be created.

How Is Jaw Dislocation Treated?

To make an accurate diagnosis, a detailed evaluation is conducted first. If necessary, the following tests may be performed:
📌 Computed tomography (CT) and MRI imaging
📌 Intraoral and extraoral photographs
📌 Facebow transfer to measure jaw dislocation using dental models on an articulator
📌 Jaw joint movement tests
If jaw dislocation is detected, the priority is to address the issue. For this purpose, a stabilization splint is used.

✅ What is a stabilization splint?

It is a removable device that covers the surfaces of the teeth.
It fits between the teeth, ensuring the jaw joint remains in the correct position and preventing jaw dislocation.
It relaxes the chewing muscles, reduces pain, and improves joint function.
This correction can positively affect overall body posture, potentially impacting the spine.

What Happens After Jaw Dislocation Treatment?

Once the jaw joint is realigned, changes in the dental occlusion may occur. In such cases, the bite must also be corrected. Several treatment options are available for this:
✔️ Orthodontic treatment: Use of braces or clear aligners to realign the teeth.
✔️ Restorative treatment (crowns): Porcelain crowns to correct tooth structure.
✔️ Coronoplasty: Reshaping tooth surfaces through grinding or fillings.
If factors outside the teeth (e.g., muscle or skeletal issues) contribute to jaw dislocation, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed in collaboration with relevant specialists.

Protect Your Jaw Health!

When jaw joint problems are detected early, the treatment process becomes much easier. If you experience symptoms such as jaw pain, joint sounds, or head-neck pain, do not ignore them. Being evaluated by a specialist dentist and creating a personalized treatment plan is crucial for maintaining a healthy chewing system.
For a healthy and pain-free smile, you can contact our clinic and get detailed information about your jaw joint! 😊