What causes popping sound while opening the jaw?

Question

Hi doctor,

I got facial pain, headaches, a popping sound while opening my jaw, pressure, and sometimes neck pain as well. I got patchy mucosal thickening of the 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 the right mandible?

Most of my symptoms are on the right side of the face. I have had this issue for a year.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since the symptoms you have mentioned are strongly suggestive of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you will need 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 most common symptom of a problem with the joint. The orthopantomography (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.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.