Have you ever experienced that when you try to yawn or take a bite of food, you suddenly feel your jaw stiffening or locking up? This is commonly referred to as lockjaw and is not something to be ignored. People often assume it is a dental issue, but lockjaw is usually a sign of a problem that lies deeper: the temporomandibular joint itself (TMJ). Knowing that the TMJ is a complex joint that connects the jaw, identified as the mandible, to the skull for talking, eating, and even breathing.
TMJ can cause inflammation, misalignment, and chronic stress on the TMJ, resulting in reduced movement of the jaw or locking it fully. Luckily, with modern methods like TMJ arthroscopy, there are many options available today for pinpointed, effective treatments for lockjaw symptoms. Let’s review the symptoms that can lead to a need for locking of your jaw and how a TMJ specialist like Prof. Dr. Luis Gavin can assist.
Lockjaw, or trismus, is not just a tight sensation in your mouth—it’s an actual restriction that prevents you from opening your mouth completely. Some people are only able to open the mouth a few millimeters, while others feel a temporary ‘catch’ that releases with some effort or with a click. Additional symptoms that could occur are
Oftentimes jaw locking is worse in the morning, specifically for people who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping at night. Over time, the condition can escalate and begin to interfere with eating, speaking, and well-being.
Lockjaw is rarely random. In fact, it is often an indication of underlying TMJ dysfunction. Here are some common contributors:
Stress & Clenching
High levels of emotional stress can contribute to nighttime clenching and muscle tension.
Air bubbles, bleeding, or internal flattening inside the TMJ can cause functional limitations.
A wrong bite or an improper jaw position puts pressure on the joint and surrounding musculature.
Any type of trauma or accident involving the face or jaw can lead to chronic joint instability.
TMJ disorders—including lockjaw—are not dental conditions. They need medical treatment from a qualified TMJ doctor or maxillofacial surgeon. A qualified specialist like Prof. Dr. Luis Gavin has access to advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatments that can treat the condition because of an underlying cause and NOT the symptoms.
Dr. Gavin is one of only a few specialists who do TMJ arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique for pinpointing the TMJ. The procedure is used to wash away inflammation and return structure to the jaw movement. Instead, bite guards or dental splints only manage symptoms, while TMJ arthroscopy looks to treat the underlying structural problem and create a potential permanent condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as a locked jaw, a popping-clicking and stiff jaw, then you may be experiencing an underlying TMJ disorder. Don’t let discomfort turn into a daily issue. It is much better for you to seek medical intervention sooner than later, as delay may lead to serious degeneration like tinnitus, headaches, or teeth misalignment.
Call and book a consultation and assessment appointment with Prof. Dr. Luis Gavin before it’s too late. Prof. Dr. Luis Gavin is a leading specialist in TMJ treatment and arthroscopy in the UAE.