TMJ POPPING

• TMJ vs TMD
• TMJ Popping or Clicking
• Treatments
• Overbite, Underbite, Malocclusions

TMJ = Temporomandibular Joint
This is joint that hinges the JAW to the skull. There are two joints, one on each side of the jaw (see picture below).

TMD: This stands for TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER. This is a generalized term which is often used for any type of disorder of the TMJ, such as lockjaw, jaw pain, tmj clicking, or tmj popping.

Below is a picture of the TMJ, and its component parts.

POPPING or CLICKING: When the DISC and JAW are not moving in unison, a POPPING sound may be heard. This is not uncommon, and not normally cause for concern unless there is severe discomfort.

LOCK JAW: This occurs when the DISC and JAW are not moving in unison and the DISC gets displaced, causing the inability to move the JAW.

TREATMENTS: Often times MASSAGE and or ANTI-INFLAMMATORY medications can help, or even the use of a NIGHTGUARD.

Dental Nightguards are think acrylic mouthguards which go over either your upper or lower teeth, and decrease the amount of trauma caused to your TMJs when you grind your teeth. They are also very good for protecting your teeth from excessive wear.

As a last resort, SURGERY may be needed to solve the problem if it is serious enough.

*Picture by Stephen F. Gordon, 1993.