Every dental cleaning my right jaw gets stuck open and then i have to wait for it to "pop back into place" to close, what is this?

Limited MouthOpening: This is limited mouth opening or what is commonly known as “locking jaw”. Individuals should be able to normally open with 3 fingers together between their front teeth without pain. Anything less than three fingers wide and with pain should be evaluated by your dentist.

Open lock: This occurs when your lower jaw jump over a bone in the skull. Once this occurs, you are atrisk for it to hgappen again. Do not open wide. When you yawn try to clench your teeth together. No eating large sandwiches either.

Maybe TMD: Tell your concerns about your jaw popping to your dentist & hygienist. It is important to have your condition diagnosed. You may have temperomandibular joint disorder. This is a condition of limited movement & pain in your jaw joints. There are remedies for this, and during your teeth cleanings, it is important to take a few breaks. This will allow your joints to rest..Take care..

TMJ: There is a small disc that sits between your skull and your lower jaw. When there are problems with that disc, you wind up with that and other issues. Please mention this to your dentist on your next visit!