title: Management of acute dislocation of the temporomandibular joint in dental practice.
abstract: Acute dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is a situation that, although rare, may present to the dentist in practice at any time. A number of activities, such as removal of a tooth, may cause dislocation. The event is painful and distressing for the patient, their family and the dental team. Prompt management minimises discomfort, distress and long-term morbidity to the patient. We describe the aetiology of acute dislocation and outline a number of techniques that will aid the clinican in dealing with this event.
authors.affiliation: Dublin Dental School and Hospital, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: McGoldrick
authors.forename: Leo F A
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Stassen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy*; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*