HomeAnswersDentistrytemperomandibular joint disorderWhat does popping sound while opening the mouth indicate?

What causes popping sound while opening the jaw?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 2, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I got facial pain, headaches, popping sound while opening jaw, pressure and sometimes neck pain as well. I got patchy mucosal thickening of ethmoid sinuses from a CT scan. I have attached my dental x-ray. Are my symptoms due to sinuses? Or do I have TMD of right mandible? Most of my symptoms are on my right side of the face. I am having this issue since a year. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sandeep Menon

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since the symptoms you have mentioned are strongly suggestive of temperomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you will need an advice from an oral surgeon and a neurologist. Avoid chewing anything hard on the right side in the meantime. A popping sound heard is the commonest symptom of a problem with the joint. The orthopantomograph (OPG) you have sent is inconclusive. More diagnosis is needed. Do consult both the specialist as this condition tends to get more serious as age progresses.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandeep Menon
Dr. Sandeep Menon

Dentistry

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