My jaw has always popped and clicked but never bothered me. The other day I bit down and it went 'sideways'. Since then I can't clench my teeth fully. No problems opening and closing, but there's that click and I can't clench my molars together. I have pain in the jaw hinge. I'll be seeing a doctor, yes, but I'm wondering if this is typical of TMJ. Anyone know what extended TMJ can mean to a person other than annoyance? Just curious. Thanks for your time!
2007-01-29 16:37:33 · 8 answers · asked by m121kate 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Temporo Mandibular Joint needs surgery!!!!! maybe mouthguards depending on the severity of the case...
2007-01-29 17:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by doctorhector 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
About a year ago i experienced the same thing. A popping, clicking sound, and sometimes it seemed like there was sand in my jaw. I went to a specialist and he had me fitted for a splint- which is basically like a retainer. It is to help you become more aware of clenching your jaw, which is the most common cause of TMJ. I saw him about once a month for 6 months, then went six months without seeing him, and now i don't have to go back for another year. It has helped me a ton. I don't have the popping or clicking anymore, and if it does start to come back, i pop my mouth piece in over night and everything is better by the time i wake up. I hope this helps!
2007-01-29 16:44:10 · answer #2 · answered by bethieb163 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes its TMJ. I have TMJ and my jaw will dislocate from time to time and make popping and grinding sounds. It can cause headaches, facial twitches, strain on your neck and other muscles as a result of your jacked up jaw. Just take care of it, don't bite into apples or things that make it worse that's all you can do really. And if it gets out of hand, I suggest you see a specialist.
I went to a doctor and all they did was prescribe aspirin for me and told me to go see a specialist. Oh yea, and the worst screniro I can think of for TMJ sufferers is lock jaw.
2007-01-29 16:46:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My TMJ is caused by grinding my teeth during sleep. However, I have had some of the same symptoms that you are describing. It doesn't sound like the classic case but, it could be that over time the popping and clicking has caused enough damage to develop TMJ.
2007-01-29 16:47:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it meas that the cartilage in the jaw joint in between the bones has moved and the two bones now rub against eachother and may lock at some point making eating difficult at best. I had the surgery. Afterwards the PT hurt so much. You should not chew gum or eat any sticky foods now or ever. TMJ can return.
2007-01-29 16:43:20 · answer #5 · answered by dorothy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like TMJ, which is most common in women int heir early 20's and can be triggered by stress. If it is TMJ, it can cause probolems with your teeth because they won't be aligned properly and you may have more tendency to clench or grind them. Another way TMJ emerges is as "lockjaw" so you can't open your mouth, so obviously that's bad.
2007-01-29 16:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by GreenIYD 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get 7 different opinions. these doctors will take all your money, trust me!
make sure to see 3 different orthodontists that are ethical.
some dentists arent very specialized in that area.
if it doesnt bother you very much, and after you have waited 2 years and the pain has gone away, DONT WORRY ABOUT IT
2007-01-29 16:46:58 · answer #7 · answered by The Inquirer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that is TMJ although that is not typical good thing you are seeing a doctor I recommend a dentist instead though
2007-01-29 16:43:41 · answer #8 · answered by it_is_what_it_is 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋