Home TMJ Symptoms TMJ Clicking - Why Does My Jaw Make A Clicking Noise

TMJ Clicking - Why Does My Jaw Make A Clicking Noise

TMJ clicking is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ syndrome and happens when the disc of the jaw joint is unstable. This condition doesn’t result in pain in most individual and it is usually left untreated by doctors. It is important that if you are having TMJ clicking, you see a TMJ dentist to check if it needs to be treated. Having a TMJ click doesn’t always mean you have a TMJ disorder but it may well be a sign.

Causes Of Clicking

Jaw joints are ball and socket joints and it makes a popping noise when the joint comes out of its position and goes back in when you chew or speak. An abnormally shaped disc can cause TMJ clicking. Shortened jaw muscles can also spasm and increase the pressure inside the jaw joint and results in the pop or click. The TMJ clicking may be caused because of having an improper bite, or because of some trauma that may have caused a tear to the joint tissue.

Why treat it?

If the jaw clicking is left untreated, it could damage the joint and lead to severe problems in the future like TMJ facial pain and headaches. A bad case would result in jaw locking where it becomes difficult to close the mouth once opened. Some patients with these conditions will require TMJ orthodontics to move the jaw joint into a place which will support the damaged disc better.

Diagnosis Of Clicking

Mostly TMJ diagnosis is done by its symptoms which include TMJ clicking, facial pain, numbness, spasms and wearing out of teeth. But before starting with the treatment the extent of damage done to the joint is measured by using various tests such as:

  • Computed Tomography(CT) Scan which gives the details of the bone structure but doesn’t give any details of the soft tissue.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides details of soft tissue along with discs and muscles.

  • Tomography is used by most dentists and is a type of x-ray that shows cross- sections of the jaw area.

Treatment For Clicking

Once diagnosed, a suitable treatment will be chosen by the specialist depending on the extent of damage already done and the kind of defect.

  • A TMJ mouth- guard can be used to relax the tensed jaw muscles and this will reduce the frequency of the jaw clicking. Mouth guards also help to reduce the loudness of the clicks.

  • Another approach to deal with TMJ clicking is by eliminating the habit or physical therapy for the masticatory muscles.

  • Mandibular repositioning devices are also used for a short time to prevent changes that will make treatment difficult by worsening the condition.

  • A splint or night guard is also used for treating jaw muscle problems.

If TMJ is caused due to stress, stress management may help in resolving the problem. A clicking jaw can be uncomfortable as well as damaging to the joint in the long run. Hence getting it checked is very important even if it doesn’t cause any pain.