Treatment of a case of bilateral long-standing temporomandibular joint dislocation indirectly associated with COVID-19 using eminectomy and mandibular traction.

INTRODUCTION: Wearing a mask is beneficial in limiting the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, identification of oral diseases is challenging when the lower part of the face is covered with a mask. Here, we report a case of long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation that was detected late owing to the use of a mask in a patient with intellectual disability.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 41-year-old man complaining of difficulty in closing his mouth for a few months was referred to our hospital. Panoramic radiography revealed bilateral dislocation of the mandibular condyle. Based on the clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with long-standing TMJ dislocation. Because manual reduction in the outpatient clinic was unsuccessful, bilateral eminectomy was performed under general anesthesia, and mandibular traction was subsequently performed for 4 weeks after surgery. Oral function was maintained, and no signs of recurrence were observed at the 3 years follow-up.

DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted not only in a reduction in the number of medical examinations owing to concerns of spread of infection but also in a delay in the recognition of oral diseases when the lower face is covered by a mask.

CONCLUSION: Care must be taken to avoid overlooking oral diseases in individuals wearing masks.