pwc

hi rachels,

if you are not adept in unlocking your own jaw or have tried and cannot unlock it, i would recommend that you go see your dentist. since you are locked closed you probably do not have to go to an emergency room. i would save the e.r. for an open lock. both open and closed bring on panic but open can be pretty tough to handle. (i've had my share of both.) when i was locked closed i was able to pop my joint in and out and was able to open my mouth. unfortunately, it wouldn't stay and i would have to do this all day long. i would just move my jaw at a certain angle and was able to open it - or - it would "pop" open. you are doing what you can right now. try the muscle relaxants and the moist heat and try (i know, it's hard) not to panic until you can see your oral surgeon/dentist. in some cases, your dentist may be able to inject some cortisone into the joint. it may lubricate the joint enough where the disc can move freely again if it is not displaced too badly. good luck. please stay calm.