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Mandible grip method

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • prepare the patient as already described
  • protect your thumbs with surgical gloves and a clean cloth such as a handkerchief
  • stand in front of the patient with your thumbs on his back lower molars
  • grip the mandible tight on the dislocated side(s) with your index finger behind the ramus and your other fingers beneath the mandible
  • get the patient to brace his head against the back of the chair
  • push the down and back suddenly and you should feel the 'clonk' as it goes back into place

Note:

  • avoid the following / precautions (1) :
    • to get the thumbs bitten when the jaw snaps back into position.
      • firm, steady traction with gauze should be maintained to protect the thumbs .
    • putting pressure on oral prostheses that could cause them to break.
    • attempting to reduce a TMJ dislocation with the patient's jaw at the height of your shoulders or above.
    • trying to force the patient's jaw shut.

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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