popping - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Treyvanz · 05-05-2008, 11:22 AM

I know the popping/clicking sound of the jaw is a symptom of TMJ, but does anyone have any ideas/cures to get rid of this?!

pipdog · 05-09-2008, 12:26 AM

Popping means the disc is dislocated but at some point on opening positions itself where it should be which is on top of the condyle.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.

If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.

Rawspice · 05-18-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipdog

Popping means the disc is dislocated but at some point on opening positions itself where it should be which is on top of the condyle.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.

If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.

But I have popping and other sounds when opening and closing, after an x-ray though they said my joint was in place?

I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.

Thelma-Louise · 05-18-2008, 12:04 PM

I was just wondering if the xrays or films were taken in both the open and closed positions or just one and not the other? Also did the dr use a stethis (sp?) scope in examining you as you opened and closed to listen for the popping/clicking or at least stick his fingers in your ears while you opened and closed to try and feel if displacement is occuring?

pipdog · 05-18-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawspice

But I have popping and other sounds when opening and closing, after an x-ray though they said my joint was in place?

I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.

Its unfortunate but x-rays and MRIs are only as good as the person interpreting them. My first MRI report said I had 'good joint space', the second x-ray said both my condyles were 'posteriorly displaced'. One rules out the other- you can't have both.

As a patient its like we're entering into a game of chance so I went with the second finding and am being treated accordingly

Soft mouthguard sounds like a one size fits all solution.
I think most of us on here have bites that are out of whack and need to get them working back in harmony again.
Best way is to get impressions made of the teeth and get a custom made splint which will create the optimum bite relationship and so calm the overworked jaw muscles and allow the normal functioning of the tmj.
I have a lower Gelb appliance and its stopping my jaw closing in the overclosed way it used to. Its also built up higher on one side because my jaw was not only too far back but also one condyle was higher than the other.

If you feel you're not getting the help where you are being treated at the moment go find somebody who will do a full diagnostic work-up; MRI scans, x-rays, palpating the muscles, examining the teeth for wear patterns etc. Once you know whats going on in there and start a treatment plan you're giving yourself the best chance of certainly stopping the damage and hopefully reversing/healing it.