Dental patients typically refer to the sensation of a stuck jaw as a lockjaw. This is just partially true.
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that joins the temporal bones in front of each ear to the mouth. It allows you to move your jaw vertically and laterally, allowing you to speak, chew, and yawn. Temporomandibular disorders affect the jaw and the facial muscles that govern it (TMD). But you may incorrectly hear it referred to as TMJ after the joint.
TMD frequently causes excruciating pain and agony. It might be transient or long-lasting. It might damage either side of your face. It is more prevalent in adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects more women than males.
What is Jaw Lock?
A TMJ issue, such as a broken TMJ disc cartilage or temporomandibular joint dislocation, can cause a locked jaw. TMJ displacement is an aberrant function of the mandibular condyle (a rounded structure at the rear of the mandible), the mandibular fossa (a depression in the temporal bone that articulates with the condyle), and the articular disc of the jaw joint.
In addition to malocclusion and bruxism, malocclusion (a misaligned bite) and bruxism can also cause a jaw lock (clenching and grinding).
The jaw-catching, locking, or hooking sensation happens when the TMJ disc falls out of position and the jaw joint becomes misaligned. Patients with jaw lock may be accompanied by headaches, migraines, and ear pain and may cause TMJ pain and soreness.
How Are Jaw Lock and TMJ Related?
Although a sense of a locked jaw does not usually accompany TMJ problems or TMD, jaw lock is a symptom of a TMJ condition. Usually, a displaced articular disc in the TMJ is the cause of jaw lock, which is characterized by muscle and joint inflammation. This may result in stiffness and tightness in the TMJ and may increase any existing edema or irritation.
As part of a full TMJ or TMD treatment, jaw lock can be treated with physical therapy, medicines such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories, or oral devices such as night guards or dental splints. Occasionally, oral surgery may be required to treat TMJ disorders and jaw lock.
Let’s get something straight. Having TMJ issues does not necessarily result in a “locked jaw.” Locked jaw or lockjaw (everyday terms for trismus) is sometimes used as an umbrella term for all TMJ-related disorders. Additionally, “lockjaw” is the word used to describe tetanus infections. But tetanus does not cause all jaw problems.
Causes of Lock Jaw
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJD)
TMD causes pain in the jaw joint and muscles around it. It can result in discomfort or the locking of one or both hinge joints (temporomandibular joints). These joints are situated between the mandible and the temporal bone.
Additionally, TMD can induce agonizing or throbbing pain and sensitivity in or around the ear, jaw, and face. Chewing food may exacerbate discomfort sensations. Additionally, chewing might generate a clicking sound or a grinding feeling.
TMJ pain is frequently transient and may subside with at-home treatment.
Stress
Sometimes, feelings of tension and worry might lead you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth while sleeping unconsciously. You may also unconsciously retain your jaw in a clinched position when you are awake.
These activities might result in jaw pain and a sense of stiffness both sleeping and awake. It may hurt worse when you eat or talk.
In addition to comparable symptoms, stress can also produce tension headaches.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching can be brought on by stress, heredity, or dental issues such as misplaced teeth. Bruxism can occur while sleeping. It can also occur when you are awake, but you may not be aware of it consciously.
Bruxism can result in facial, neck, and upper or lower jaw stiffness or discomfort. Additionally, it might induce headaches and earaches.
Tetanus
This severe bacterial infection is frequently the leading cause of lockjaw. It has systemic effects on the muscles and neurological system. Therefore, the muscles tense and tighten. This illness frequently affects the neck and jaw muscles but gradually spreads to the rest of the body. Tetanus, which can result in a locked jaw, can be caused by animal bites, burns, scrapes, wounds, insect bites, tattoos, piercings, chronic infections, injectable medicines, and even dental diseases.
To discuss the mechanism of tetanus, it must be mentioned that small reproductive spores of Clostridium tetani bacteria enter the bloodstream through cuts, wounds, and other sources and produce the tetanospasmin toxin, which acts as a poison by blocking the nerve signals of the central nervous system. This results in spasms; thus, jaw muscles are also inhibited.
Medication
Certain drugs can interfere with nerve function and cause lockjaw. 9 Anti-nausea drugs, such as Reglan (metoclopramide), and some antipsychotic medications are the most prevalent culprits.
Rarely, anesthetics can result in a condition known as malignant hyperthermia. This complication is a severe response characterized by an elevated body temperature and a fast heart rate. Additionally, it can cause muscular spasms, such as lockjaw.
Treatment Options
Nightguard
The use of a nightguard, a plastic mouthpiece that covers the teeth and prevents enamel-on-enamel contact, is a frequent therapy for TMJ problems. Typically, a nightguard is fabricated for the upper (maxillary) teeth. Dentists typically build personalized nightguards. Custom nightguards are superior to off-the-shelf options for various reasons, even though they are typically more expensive.
Personalized night guards are often thinner and more comfortable. In addition, custom-made night guards are molded to the individual’s teeth and bite. If a nightguard does not fit properly, it might cause tooth shifting and exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
Medications
Ibuprofen and other pain relievers can help alleviate jaw discomfort. Depending on the circumstances, doctors may also prescribe antidepressants or muscle relaxers.
Surgical Treatment
TMJ issues are surgically treated with arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, open joint arthroplasty, and total joint replacement. Occasionally, these surgeries are necessary, but they are reserved for severe patients that have failed to respond to more conservative treatments. Unless the jaw cannot open, is dislocated and nonreducible, has extensive degeneration, or the patient has attempted splint treatment without result, surgery is often not contemplated.
Read more: A Guide on Handling TMJ Disorders When Pregnant
Consult Garza DDS to Learn More About What to Do about Lockjaw
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, please consult a TMJ specialist. Dr. Garza is one of the top experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and can help you get relief from the lock jaw and other painful symptoms. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about what to do about lockjaw.