← All explanationsJaw dislocation

What if the mouth will not close?

In a jaw dislocation, the joint head leaves its normal joint position. In the fixed form, the jaw usually remains locked open and cannot close normally. This requires prompt professional care; do not force it back yourself.

For training & practice ↓

Schematic joint section with the mandibular condyle displaced in front of the articular eminence; anterior is to the right. — Anterior = right. Simplified dislocation model.

01 / 03

Locked open

Normal closing is blocked. This differs from difficulty opening the mouth.

02 / 03

Avoid force

Do not attempt forceful reduction or follow video manoeuvres. A clinician also checks for injury and other causes.

03 / 03

Discuss recurrence

After acute care, possible triggers and recurrent episodes can be assessed. Further measures depend on the findings.

Read the full explanation

Locked open
Normal closing is blocked. This differs from difficulty opening the mouth.
Avoid force
Do not attempt forceful reduction or follow video manoeuvres. A clinician also checks for injury and other causes.
Discuss recurrence
After acute care, possible triggers and recurrent episodes can be assessed. Further measures depend on the findings.

Notes on the teaching images

Anterior = right. Simplified dislocation model.
Not a reduction guide. Professional medical help is needed.
Fictional teaching scene; not a patient story.

For your visit: open the communication cards

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Sign of the fixed form?

The mouth will not close.

Self-reduction?

No.

Next step?

Urgent assessment.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Go to film text

Often confused

Dislocation versus disc displacement

An out-of-position joint head and a displaced joint disc are different findings.

Quick answers

Is this trismus?

Trismus limits opening. In a fixed jaw dislocation, closing is typically blocked instead.

Can yawning trigger it?

Wide opening can contribute, but injury and other factors are also possible.

Wait for a routine appointment?

Contact an urgent dental service or appropriate emergency service promptly if the jaw is stuck open.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How can recurrence be addressed after urgent treatment?

Seek help directly if the jaw is acutely locked open. If the practice is unavailable, contact an urgent dental service or appropriate emergency service.

Contact the practice by phone · 0221 669 401 80Telephone contact

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Dislocation: Loss of normal joint position.
Condyle: The mandibular joint head.
Reduction: Professional restoration of joint position.

Make the distinction

An out-of-position joint head and a displaced joint disc are different findings.

Knowledge questionWhat should a locked-open jaw prompt?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

Prompt professional care.
Forceful self-treatment.
Waiting several days.

View answer

Prompt professional care.

Reduction belongs in trained hands.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.