Acute TMJ Open Lock

    For Patients

    Understanding Acute TMJ Open Lock

    An acute TMJ open lock occurs when your jaw locks in an open position and you are unable to close it. This often happens after a person has had a jaw that makes clicking or popping sounds for a while but that is not always the case. A case of an acute TMJ open lock mostly occurs without warning.

    It can be a scary situation to have your jaw lock open. Here are the important steps to follow:

    • Remain as calm as possible while this is occurring.
    • Call your dentist to check if he or she is comfortable performing the procedure to reduce the jaw opening.
    • If your dentist is not comfortable doing this, please call our office for help. If you remain calm, it is often possible to have your jaw closed within 15 minutes.

    To help reduce the likelihood of this happening in the future, proper long-term care may be needed.

    Changes to the ligaments that provide stability to the TMJ can cause your jaw to lock open. The hard and soft tissue holding the TMJ may have become more slack than normal. As a result, the TMJ slipped too far forward and got stuck in front of a boney articular eminence. This means that the condyle cannot recoil backward to its normal position as a resting spot. This set of circumstances often gets worse over time.

    TMJ Open Lock

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

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    Jill Krstajic profile picture
    Jill Krstajic
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    It is not an understatement to say that Dr Goodfellow and his staff have greatly improved the quality of my life! My TMJ pain was unbearable and as a Dental Hygienist I was actually skeptical that the treatment would work, it did and I am grateful! I would gladly recommend Dr Goodfellow for anyone suffering TMJ and Sleep Issues.
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    Lanndis De Lallo profile picture
    Lanndis De Lallo
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    This device changed my life. I have had TMJ for as long as I can remember with a long history of orthodontic work from childhood. For the first time as an adult, I can control my jaw pain, clicking, locking and tension headaches with the night time appliance, which I wear every night - I can feel the difference even going one night without it. The daytime appliance also makes a big difference and now I can wear it periodically. Dr. Goodfellow, Cathie, Tina and the entire team are delightful, helpful and I can't thank them enough for helping me implement this life changing, non-surgical solution to my TMJ!
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    Steve McDonald profile picture
    Steve McDonald
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    Before being treated by Dr. Goodfellow I had severe jaw pain so bad I sometimes could hardly eat. That pain is now virtually gone. I am so grateful and I highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow!
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    Julia Leclerc profile picture
    Julia Leclerc
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    I suffered from severe jaw pain and eventually jaw locking. Dr. Goodfellow not only was able to diagnose the issue, he was able to completely redirect my jaw and sleeping patterns with the mouth guard that I now wear to sleep every night. I don’t even get headaches anymore! The difference has been incredible and I am forever grateful. Highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow and his staff.
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    Sandy Hale profile picture
    Sandy Hale
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    I feel very positive about the treatment I received from Dr. Goodfellow and his team over a six month period. My TMJ disorder symptoms have been resolved to the point where I am almost pain free every day. Dr. Goodfellow helped me to understand both the causes of my jaw issues and how the treatments would work towards healing. His staff are friendly, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable and helped to allay any fears I had about treatments. I highly recommend TMJ & Sleep Therapy to any and all persons suffering from TMJ disorders.
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    Anthony Hajsan profile picture
    Anthony Hajsan
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    Dr. Goodfellow is a good fellow (I know, so original)! This is the only place that has helped with my TMJ.
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    oren dishy profile picture
    oren dishy
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    I've had a click in my jaw for over 30 years and over the past year it was constant pain and difficulty chewing. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff provided me with a non-invasive appliance one for the day and one for night and within 6 months I was pain and click free. It's as if I have brand new jaw with no issues whatsoever. Without a doubt, the best medical treatment I've ever received. I would give six stars if it was available.
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    Paula Carmona-Murphy profile picture
    Paula Carmona-Murphy
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    After years of dealing with TMJ pain (and trying different types of appliances) I saw Dr. Goodfellow. I am thrilled with the results. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff are amazing!
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    Shicheng Wu profile picture
    Shicheng Wu
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    Solved on my jaw pain and overbite issues in an efficient way.