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Jaw locking
Jaw locking is when the temporo-mandibular joint, aka: the TMJ (everyone has two) gets stuck out of position. Usually because one opens so wide that part of the joint on one's jaw (the condyle) gets stuck in front of the cartilage in the joint (disc) or bone in front of the joint's pivot point (the articular eminence). This is a highly complex and critical joint; if you have problems, consult a professional right away.
Dr. Gabriel Malouf reviewed this
Specializes in Dentistry
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Related questions
A 45-year old asked:
Jaw lock for 2 days?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
Why does my jaw lock on the left side?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 44-year old asked:
Please explain why does my jaw lock after a certain point on the left side?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
Could you explain why does my jaw lock after a certain point on the left side?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 23-year old asked:
Why do my fingers and jaw lock as if being pulled by ligaments involuntarily? Tetnus issued in 2003. Happens when forcing in fingers. Jaw, randomly
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A female 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?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old female asked:
I have been experiencing wet sensations in the back of my head as well as ear pain, which is more intense on one side. I also get jaw lock and crackle?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old male asked:
Whenever I eat my mouth clenches up stiff & it takes quite an effort before I can open my mouth again so I can chew. It gets painful as I continue eating & having my jaw lock up my mouth closed with every bite. Why is this happening? Any treatments?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 21-year old male asked:
Can an ENT doctor be seen for jaw lock problem?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 29-year old female asked:
Jaw lock wen open my mouth, neck pain, dizzy, arm numbness and ear ringing?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
What causes jaw to lock up?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
What could cause the left side of my jaw to lock up after catching a cold a few days ago?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
A 49-year old asked:
My jaw will lock up , it's really painful and stops me from sleeping, what to do?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 23-year old female asked:
Why my jaw is lock? Im worried.. Sometimes i cnt open my mouth.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
Whenever i chew gummi candy, eat starburst, or eat apples, my jaw will lock and it becomes very painful. Why?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
What can cause left side of my jaw to lock to where I can't open mouth completely wide. I have to shift jaw to right to "unlock" it w/ a hard, loud pop?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
A member asked:
What would cause my jaw to "lock"? 18 yr old female. This is very p;ainful. It seems to lock, able to open mouth about 1-1 1/2 inches only.
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 44-year old asked:
What causes lock jaw?
9 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
How to fix my lock jaw?
5 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
What to do about lock-jaw?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old asked:
What does lock jaw feel like?
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 47-year old asked:
What are the symptoms of lock jaw?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 68-year old asked:
Can you get lock jaw more than once?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
I have painful lock jaw, can anyone help?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
What exactly is lock jaw? How can I get help for it?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
I keep getting lock jaw only on my left side. What should I do?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
Sometimes my jaw won't open all the way. Is this lock jaw. What should I do?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 36-year old female 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
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 18-year old female asked:
How to relieve lock jaw. It pops when I open it and feels almost like it is locked. Anything chewy I eat makes it worse is there anyway to help it?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
Why is my jaw trying to lock up?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
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