Jaw clicking means that the jaw joint disc is unstable. The disc pops when it spits forward out of place or backwards into place. It's caused by an abnormally shaped disc and can be so loud that it disturbs other people. In most cases, jaw pain is nature's way of letting you know that there's something wrong. Fortunately, most patients with this problem do not have jaw pain and most dentists do not treat it unless pain develops. Patients who have a popping should investigate all of the signs and symptoms of TMJ because they may not be aware of other difficulties their joint problem is causing.

          Many TMJ patients have shortened spastic jaw muscles which increase the pressure inside the jaw joint on the disc. This forces the disc to pop. If the jaw muscles and the patient are healthy, a patient with a clicking jaw may not have TMJ headaches. If the jaw muscles can be relaxed with a TMJ mouth guard, it often deceases the amount, frequency, and loudness of the jaw popping. However, many patients continue to experience tooth grinding even with treatment.

          If the clicking jaw continues, the joint could become increasingly damaged and lead to future problems. Eventually the patient may experience a jaw locking that prevents the jaw from closing back into place. Some patients who are really bothered by their problem require special TMJ orthodontics to reposition the jaw joint into a place that better supports the damaged disc. However, the jaw popping often continues in as many as 50% of these patients even after orthodontics is completed.

          If you have a jaw clicking and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428