Question 1

clicking sound while chewing. jaw lock often. pain and headache what is the possible reasons other than tmj. and what is the risk of jaw surgeries?

Accepted Answer

TMJ - TMD: Temporo-mandibular disorder is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. Headache, earache, neck pain and jaw pain are the common symptoms. Proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. See Orofacial Pain practitioner for a consultation and treatment options.

Question 2

rly bad jaw/facial pain (lockjaw/tmj symptoms) following tooth extraction. was prescribed norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) but would an nsaid help me actually heal better?

Accepted Answer

See a TMJ specialist: After imaging and physical examination have excluded structural damage, management depends upon the particular type of TMJ disorder. Many posts-dental treatment TMJ patients frequently have accompanying symptoms of TMD and should be referred for appropriate management to a TMJ specialist.

Question 3

whats the difference between tmj & lock jaw?

Accepted Answer

TMJ vs Lockjaw: Lockjaw refers to a medical problem where the jaw muscles will not allow jaws to open due to a tetanus infection. However, there are several other causes of a jaw not opening involving the masseter muscle which are related to spasm or trismus. Tmj is the joint of the jaw and there are a number of conditions related to it that block the opening of the jaw too, i.e.  Disc displacement.

Question 4

i have tmj from eating on one side of my jaw. i chew on my left side, causing it to lock. how can i fix it?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation: Why are you eating on just your left side? is there a problem with your right side? Are teeth missing? Is it a habit?  your condition needs to be evaluated by a local dentist to determine the cause of your problem... only then can a treatment be determined. All the best.

Question 5

i have tmj years back ago about a week ago my jaw started hurting, trying to lock up on me the pain has yet to go away what kind of dr do i see?

Accepted Answer

Several options: For that kind of TMJ issue, usually an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor, dentist, or oral surgeon may treat you appropriately.

Question 6

pain-jaw/grinding tmj pmh. 3+ otc antinflam/ice not working-waiting on appt, but jaw trying to lock.need relief short-term, what options now? help

Accepted Answer

TMJoint relief: Try using hot moist compresses to the outside of your face just in front of your jaw joints\ears, NOT ice.  You did not state  dosage and frequency of the medications you tried. Speak to your doctor about possibly using Naproxen or Aleve (naproxen).

Question 7

my jaw tenses up and won't release on one side . it doesn't lock up its just really tight.  could i have tmj without the clicking ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some joint displacement and pterygoid  hypertrophy (jaw tightness) are usually the result of chronic nocturnal (nighttime) clenching. These nighttime events create tremendous muscle force and activity that can be at play. Find a dentist trained in treating jaw tension with a nti devise.

Question 8

feel a bit of numbness, tingling under ear but next to the jaw. also a little discomfort.not tmj because my jaw does not lock, but what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Numbness, tingling: Your jaw does not need to lock to have TMJ. TMJ dysfunction can manifest as jaw pain, ear pain, headaches and migraines, numbness and tingling, etc.
Your symtoms could also be related to wisdom teeth, teeth or gum infection, or ear problems.
You should have this examined by a dentist and/or and ENT specialist.

Question 9

how does one treat tmj lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Treatment would depend on whether or not your jaw is locked open or closed. Also, treatment would depend on whether or not the locking is due to muscular issues or problems inside the joint itself.

Question 10

are jaw manipulations effective at treating tmj?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Only way to know is to try it. But don't give up after only one treatment. And i would also get more than one opinion before jumping into jaw manipulation. I am not a fan of scraping bone against bone before other options are tried.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How to unlock a jaw that is lock due to tmj

A member asked:

Clicking sound while chewing. jaw lock often. pain and headache what is the possible reasons other than tmj. and what is the risk of jaw surgeries?

A member asked:

Rly bad jaw/facial pain (lockjaw/tmj symptoms) following tooth extraction. was prescribed norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) but would an nsaid help me actually heal better?

A member asked:

Whats the difference between tmj & lock jaw?

A member asked:

I have tmj from eating on one side of my jaw. i chew on my left side, causing it to lock. how can i fix it?

A member asked:

I have tmj years back ago about a week ago my jaw started hurting, trying to lock up on me the pain has yet to go away what kind of dr do i see?

A member asked:

Pain-jaw/grinding tmj pmh. 3+ otc antinflam/ice not working-waiting on appt, but jaw trying to lock.need relief short-term, what options now? help

A member asked:

My jaw tenses up and won't release on one side . it doesn't lock up its just really tight. could i have tmj without the clicking ?

A member asked:

Feel a bit of numbness, tingling under ear but next to the jaw. also a little discomfort.not tmj because my jaw does not lock, but what could this be?

A member asked:

How does one treat tmj lockjaw?

A member asked:

Are jaw manipulations effective at treating tmj?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?