Persistent jaw pain after a dislocation during gastroscopy

The patient felt that the jaw dislocated during gastroscopy and moved it until it returned to position. Although the joint was reduced by the time of evaluation, left jaw-joint pain during opening and eating persisted into the next day.

A de-identified clinical story for patient education

This story was reconstructed from clinical records after identifying information was removed. Dr. SooYoung Lee, DMD, MSc, PhD reviewed the history, joint position, functional findings, imaging context, recorded care, and follow-up.

It is not a case report published in an academic journal.

The one-visit course describes one patient only. It does not show that all pain after gastroscopy is a dislocation, guarantee the same response, or replace urgent assessment of an unreduced jaw.

Can the jaw dislocate during gastroscopy?

It is uncommon but possible. Gastroscopy may require the mouth to remain relatively wide open. A dislocation occurs when the mandibular condyle moves too far forward and cannot return to its normal position.

Jaw pain after gastroscopy does not automatically mean a dislocation. Prolonged opening can also cause temporary muscle fatigue or irritation around the joint.

A jaw that remains open and cannot close, a sudden bite change, marked deformity, or severe pain requires prompt medical or dental assessment. The jaw should not be forcibly manipulated without appropriate evaluation.

What the patient reported

The patient said that the left jaw had dislocated during gastroscopy the previous day. It was the first such episode.

The patient described pain on the left during opening and eating, while the right side felt comfortable.

The patient felt that the jaw had shifted toward the right and reported moving it toward the left until it returned. Pain persisted after that, leading to evaluation the next day.

What was assessed

The first question was whether the joint was still dislocated. At the visit, the jaw joint was already reduced and the mouth could close.

Jaw movement, opening range, pain location, eating function, and jaw-joint imaging were reviewed. The remaining problem was interpreted as pain and functional impairment in the joint and surrounding tissues after the dislocation rather than a continuing dislocation.

Returning the joint to position does not necessarily mean that all symptoms will immediately resolve. The joint capsule, ligaments, and nearby muscles may remain irritated or functionally impaired.

The treatment goal

Because the joint was already reduced, the goal was not to reduce the jaw again. The aim was to address the residual pain and support recovery of movement and function.

Based on the examination, an injection was performed. Jaw movement and pain were reassessed afterward, and the patient received guidance intended to reduce strain during recovery.

Changes documented after treatment

In this recorded case, pain was no longer present after one injection treatment. Additional treatment was not considered necessary at follow-up, and care was concluded.

This short response belongs to this case only. The number and type of visits can differ according to whether the joint remains dislocated, the extent of tissue irritation, recurrent dislocation, trauma, and functional recovery.

What mattered most in this story

The important issue was not only that a dislocation had occurred during gastroscopy, but that pain and impaired function continued after the joint had returned to position.

Assessment after reduction should confirm current joint position, opening and closing, bite, chewing pain, movement, and whether surrounding tissues remain symptomatic.

Anyone whose jaw remains locked open should seek prompt help rather than attempting forceful self-reduction. Recurrent dislocation also deserves a separate evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

Can the jaw dislocate during gastroscopy?

It can occur rarely when prolonged wide opening allows the condyle to move forward and it cannot return. Most jaw discomfort after gastroscopy is not necessarily a dislocation, so current position and function need to be checked.

Can pain continue after the jaw has been reduced?

Yes. The joint capsule, ligaments, and surrounding muscles may remain irritated even after the joint returns to position, causing pain or limited function.

Does self-reduction mean no evaluation is needed?

Not always. It is important to confirm that the joint is in position, the mouth opens and closes normally, the bite has not changed, and chewing pain is resolving. Forceful self-manipulation is not advised.

Does one-visit improvement happen in every case?

No. Pain was no longer reported after one treatment in this case, but treatment type and duration vary according to the joint position, tissue injury, recurrence, pain, and functional findings.