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Dentistry/dislocated mandibles

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Question
can having a dental cleaning and x-ray cause your jaws/mandibles to dislocate a few days later?

Answer
Peggy,

A dental cleaning and xrays cannot of itself cause the jaw to dislocate.  I suppose, stretching the mouth open aggressively or over an extended period during the procedure could contribute to dislocation in a previously weakened jaw joint.  However, this would present itself nearly right away, not a few days later.

These are most likely to be independent events.

Best wishes,

Steve

Dentistry

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Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S.

Expertise

Comprehensive Dentistry, TMJ Dysfunction Therapy, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Nineteen years of experience including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private rehabilitative practice.

Experience

I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private dental practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of excellence.

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