Jaw problem! My jaw often pops on the right side, and lately there has been some!
Question: Jaw problem! My jaw often pops on the right side, and lately there has been some pressure like it is locked...?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
You have a TMJ disorder and the popping/clicking is due to a structure called the articular disk, which is part of the temporomandibular joint, dislocating whenever your teeth come together and then goes back into place when you open. This is called reciprocal clicking and in time the condition will worsen and progress to intermittent locking of the jaw, which is what you are now experiencing. When you have reciprocal clicking, it means the disk is able to go back into place on its own and is very easily treated but as time passes the disk will get to the point that it will not be able to do so and remain dislocated. This will make the jaw feel like it is "stuck" until you maneuver the jaw around so that it causes the disk to go back into place. Once back into joint, the jaw can open wide normally again. In order for the jaw to open wide, the articular disk needs to be located on the head of the condyle (jaw joint) and slide along a path within the TMJ but when the disk is forced out of place, it acts like a doorstop to stop the condyle from sliding and this prevents the jaw from opening wide. In time, the disk will become dislocated to the point that it will not be able to go back into place no matter what you do; this is called a closed lock without reduction and is extremely difficult to treat. This stage is characterized by the absence of jaw noises, which misleads patients into thinking things are better when in fact it has become worse. Once you have a closed lock, you will be unable to open more than 3 fingers wide.
If you want to have your TMJ problem fixed, you will need to find a dentist who knows how to treat TMJ (not all do). One important piece of advice - avoid oral surgeons and traditional orthodontists, trust me. You can check this link to see if a dentist near you can help - www.iaortho.org.
functional orthodontist; treated TMJ since 1984
Its probably TMJ temporomandibular joint disorder, you should go see your dentist and they will help diagnose. My wife had a similar issue.
Sounds like it could be TMJ Disorder. Read about it here: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/temporoma…