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Acute Temporomandibular Joint Conditions

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Brief description of the condition

Acute disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull (e.g. dislocated or locked jaw or problems involving muscles around the joint). 

Key signs and symptoms

  • Pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Joint noises, e.g. pop, clicks and grating associated with movement 
  • Limited opening of mouth 
  • Headaches 
  • Earache 
  • Tinnitus 

For dislocated jaw: 

  • Unable to move jaw 
  • Jaw is displaced in open position 

Initial management

If the jaw is dislocated: 

  • Send the patient to emergency care via NHS 24. 
  • Recommend optimal analgesia (see Appendix 2). 

For other temporomandibular joint conditions: 

  • Recommend optimal analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs (see Appendix 2). 
  • Consider both the benefits and potential harms of prescribing a short course of diazepam to relax muscles (for adults only – see Appendix 2). 
  • Advise the patient to use local heat packs or ice packs to relieve the symptoms. 
  • Advise the patient to have a soft diet, to avoid chewing gum and to rest their jaw. 
  • Advise the patient to seek non-urgent dental care. 

Subsequent care

Consider making an occlusal splint for the patient. 

Monitor symptoms in follow-up appointment(s). 

Consider referring the patient for specialist opinion if the above measures do not improve symptoms.