Do you or someone you know well have TMJ?

Occasionally since getting my wisdom teeth out, my jaw will lock up badly and I cannot fully open my mouth. I feel pops occasionally too.

I don’t know. If it’s still bothering you, I think that’s a serious situation. I would call the dentist (or, another dentist) and ask.

@Zaku I went to the dentist twice since my extraction. She said everything looks fine and “it just takes time”. Sorry lady, you are inaccurate and full of shit.

I have two daughters with TMJ. it’s really hard for a dentist to work on their teeth. in fact they have to be careful when they yawn.

I have it but its never been really painful for me, it’s just annoying.
My grandma has it also, I remember her telling me about waking up one day and not being able to open her mouth more than 1cm, she said she had to go to the dentist every week for 3 months so they could wrench it open a little more each time which was extremely painful.

My wife has TMJ. She has had it for years. She got a bite to wear at night to help prevent grinding which can exacerbate it.

I don’t know if I have TMJ but I do clench and grind a lot. I’ve worn a night guard for years and it is helpful. Mine was made by the dentist but I think there are cheaper kits you can get to make your own mold.

@anniereborn Did they x-ray your jaw to take a look? I’m no dentist, but that sounds wrong to me. Every dentist I know has said if you have pain in your mouth, that’s a dental emergency and to come right in. I’d get a second dentist’s opinion.

@Zaku She took Xrays of the extraction area. I have an appointment tomorrow with my GP. I had made that in case it was something non dental related. Perhaps they will actually know about TMJ! (Imagine that). And I am going to try a new dentist too

Sounds like a good approach. I hope it clears up soon!

Oh, it occurs to me that I know someone who had bad jaw pain, when they were really stressed out, from subconsciously clenching their jaw muscles till they wore out and hurt.

I had TMJ in my early 20’s when my wisdom teeth were coming in and I was under a little stress with a new job and new technology that needed inventing.
My jaw would hurt, so I naturally clenched my teeth which made my jaw hurt, so I clenched my teeth more which…. You see where this is going.
I had to force myself to open my mouth and go slack to relax my jaw like this . I looked stupid while doing it but it worked.
I finally had my wisdom teeth removed and that fixed it.

I spent a lot of money at my dentist’s for a mouthguard but there are many cheaper alternatives. It’s something non-invasive that’s worth trying. Here’s a link:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mouth+guard+for+clenching+teeth+at+night&crid=3117738QUEZOS&sprefix=mouth+guar%2Caps%2C176&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_10

Yes, when I sleep, I clench my jaw and grind my teeth. A mouth guard works miracles, stopping the physical damage and preventing facial pain.

As a heads-up, though, I need to mention that a mouth guard is pricey, even for someone with dental insurance. I recommend discussing the cost with your new dentist and, if necessary, be honest about a need for installment payments. You might find that the dentist doesn’t want you to suffer and is willing to work with you.