Mandible

The mandible, also known as the lower jaw or jawbone, is a bone in the human body that plays an essential role in the chewing of food and speaking. It acts as a hinge that allows the jaw to move up and down and side to side while opening to the oral cavity. The mandible is the only movable bone in the face and is connected to the temporal bones of the skull by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Mandibular fractures, misalignments, arthritic changes, and other disruptions to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth, jaw, head, ear, and face. However, correcting these conditions through joint replacement and other treatments can resolve the issues and lead to a more comfortable lifestyle.