Acute TMJ Closed Lock

    For Patients

    An acute TMJ closed lock occurs when the jaw has limited opening from the closed position. This can occur after the jaw joint has been making clicking and popping sounds for quite a while. A closed lock can be caused by muscle tightness and/or the disc in the temporomandibular joint being in the way of the jaw opening. Pain can occur when you try to open your mouth from this closed-lock position.

    Sometimes there is a bit of warning before the mouth gets stuck in the closed position. This warning could be episodes where the jaw locks and then unlocks. In some situations, however, the jaw gets stuck in the closed position without any warning.

    If your jaw gets stuck in the closed position it is important to visit a properly trained dentist within a week of the first occurrence. This will help you to recapture the TMJ disc and return to normal jaw function. As time goes by, however, the TMJ disc will deform and will become stuck, or it will adhere to the new closed-lock position. When this happens, the situation will deteriorate into a chronic TMJ closed lock where it is much more difficult to recapture the TMJ disc.

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area

    Julia Daley

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Dr. Goodfellow helped me immensely with all of my TMJ and sleep problems. He always explained every part of my treatment in detail so we were always at the same level of understanding. His staff was extremely kind and always accommodating of my needs. One of the best clinics and most pleasant experiences I have had when getting a medical treatment!

    SD

    5.0 ★★★★★

    If you have TMJ issues and headaches, go to Dr Goodfellow! I have suffered from migraines, jaw locking and clicking, aches, etc; after my treatment with Dr Goodfellow and his team, my jaw doesn’t lock and click anymore and I can open my mouth wide again with no pain! My headaches have decreased too. very happy, thank you 🙂

    Angela Di Benedetto

    5.0 ★★★★★

    I’ve suffered so long with headaches, jaw pain, tinnitus and severe fatigue and was so great full to have meet Dr. Goodfellow and his amazing staff, they are beyond knowledgeable and I finally no longer suffer with pain.