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Subluxation of the mandible: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
In case of subluxation of the lower jaw, the articular elements are displaced either in the upper part of the joint (discotemporal subluxation) or in the lower part (discocondylar subluxation). In the first case, the head of the lower jaw is displaced forward together with the intraarticular disk, and in the second case, without the disk, having slipped off it. In this case, the disk first bends and then straightens, which is accompanied by a clicking or crunching sound. In essence, in this case, a chronic recurring subluxation is observed.
[ What causes subluxation of the mandible?
The cause of subluxation of the lower jaw may be rheumatic or gouty joint damage (as a result of which the depth of the mandibular fossa gradually decreases), a change in the previous bite height due to loss or pathological wear of teeth.
Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
Treatment of subluxation of the lower jaw
Treatment of subluxations of the lower jaw is pathogenetic: treatment of rheumatism, metabolic disorders, as well as improving the bite through prosthetics, creating conditions of rest in the temporomandibular joint for 1-2 months using temporary orthopedic devices or bandages.
The outcome of treatment of subluxation of the lower jaw depends on the success of pathogenetic treatment of the underlying disease.