CRB CLINIC - DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Cracking in the jaw joint Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ problems
License of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine AD No. 063321 dated 06.09.12.
Symptoms we can help you with:
To eliminate jaw joint crunching, we identify and treat the underlying condition—TMJ dysfunction. This also eliminates any additional symptoms.
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Crunching, clicking, creaking in the jaw joint - Noise, ringing, squeaking, whistling in the ears, congestion, numbness of the ear
- Pain in the jaw, jaw joint, ear area, pain in the facial muscles
- Noise, ringing, squeaking, whistling in the ears, congestion, numbness of the ear
- Limitation in opening the mouth, incorrect opening/closing of the mouth
- Tooth wear, bruxism, grinding of teeth in sleep
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Treatment of jaw joint crunching
Comprehensive identification and elimination of the causes of crunching.
Muscle and ligament stimulation, restoration of jaw joint position, and bite correction.
Muscle and ligament stimulation, restoration of jaw joint position, and bite correction.
What does crunching in the jaw joint mean?
Jaw cracking is a symptom. The underlying condition is called TMJ dysfunction or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Jaw cracking is a fairly common problem; statistics show that 20-30% of adults worldwide experience some form of jaw joint crunching. Depending on the cause, sounds in the jaw joint can vary slightly. These may include crunching, creaking, popping, clicking, cracking, and so on. All of these sounds are abnormal and require diagnosis and treatment.
Most often, jaw joint crunching occurs when chewing, opening and closing the mouth, or yawning. The sound can be quite loud, leading to a decrease in quality of life and avoidance of public places and company. When additional symptoms (pain, tinnitus) occur, the person experiences severe psychological discomfort and is unable to sleep, work, or rest.
Jaw cracking is a fairly common problem; statistics show that 20-30% of adults worldwide experience some form of jaw joint crunching. Depending on the cause, sounds in the jaw joint can vary slightly. These may include crunching, creaking, popping, clicking, cracking, and so on. All of these sounds are abnormal and require diagnosis and treatment.
Most often, jaw joint crunching occurs when chewing, opening and closing the mouth, or yawning. The sound can be quite loud, leading to a decrease in quality of life and avoidance of public places and company. When additional symptoms (pain, tinnitus) occur, the person experiences severe psychological discomfort and is unable to sleep, work, or rest.
TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is a collective term for various problems in this area. Dysfunction can include:
- Problems with the jaw muscles and ligaments;
- Problems with the joint capsule;
- Problems within the joint (disc locking, ligament strain);
- Incorrect position of the joint head, abnormal jaw movement;
- Arthrosis of the jaw joint.
It is not uncommon for a patient to have two or three problems simultaneously (for example, a problem with the musculoskeletal system and a problem within the joint).
- Problems with the jaw muscles and ligaments;
- Problems with the joint capsule;
- Problems within the joint (disc locking, ligament strain);
- Incorrect position of the joint head, abnormal jaw movement;
- Arthrosis of the jaw joint.
It is not uncommon for a patient to have two or three problems simultaneously (for example, a problem with the musculoskeletal system and a problem within the joint).
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB clinic
Causes of jaw joint crunching
Why does the jaw crunch and click, and where exactly does the crunching occur?
1. Clicking sounds due to joint disc displacement
Due to improper loading, the disc within the jaw joint can shift or collapse.
This typically occurs when opening the mouth, yawning, or chewing.
At this point, the head of the joint slips off the disc, and upon retraction, it returns to it. This produces a characteristic clicking or clacking sound.
Disc displacement can occur either forward or backward, toward the back of the joint. If the disc shifts backward, there is a high risk of deformation and complete loss of the ability to return to its proper position. In such cases, after a period of clicking, the patient notices that the sound suddenly disappears.
A crunching sound when opening the mouth, as well as its sudden disappearance, are warning signs. They indicate TMJ dysfunction and the onset of joint destruction.
This typically occurs when opening the mouth, yawning, or chewing.
At this point, the head of the joint slips off the disc, and upon retraction, it returns to it. This produces a characteristic clicking or clacking sound.
Disc displacement can occur either forward or backward, toward the back of the joint. If the disc shifts backward, there is a high risk of deformation and complete loss of the ability to return to its proper position. In such cases, after a period of clicking, the patient notices that the sound suddenly disappears.
A crunching sound when opening the mouth, as well as its sudden disappearance, are warning signs. They indicate TMJ dysfunction and the onset of joint destruction.
- A dull thud due to the head of the joint hitting the bone
- A dull thud due to the head of the joint hitting the bone
This symptom occurs when the articular disc no longer functions as a shock absorber. It is either deformed and flattened, or displaced.
In this case, when the jaw moves, the head of the joint strikes the temporal bone directly. A dull thud is heard, the sound of bone striking bone.
This condition may be accompanied by discomfort and a feeling of joint overload. But the main danger is that the impact gradually destroys the bone tissue.
In this case, when the jaw moves, the head of the joint strikes the temporal bone directly. A dull thud is heard, the sound of bone striking bone.
This condition may be accompanied by discomfort and a feeling of joint overload. But the main danger is that the impact gradually destroys the bone tissue.
3. Cracking/creaking noise due to bone grinding
Wear and tear of the joint's bony structures occurs with the prolonged absence of the articular disc, which normally acts as a shock absorber and protects the joint. Without the disc, the joint head comes into direct contact with the temporal bone every time the mouth opens and closes, as well as when chewing.
The bones strike and rub against each other. This causes a sound described as cracking, creaking, a constant crunching, or a gritty sensation.
This condition is called TMJ arthrosis. It is characterized by irreversible deformation of the joint head, its wear and flattening. In the initial stages, bone growths may appear at the sites of bone injury.
The bones strike and rub against each other. This causes a sound described as cracking, creaking, a constant crunching, or a gritty sensation.
This condition is called TMJ arthrosis. It is characterized by irreversible deformation of the joint head, its wear and flattening. In the initial stages, bone growths may appear at the sites of bone injury.
4. Cracking in muscles and ligaments
When the jaw joint doesn't function properly, the muscles and ligaments responsible for jaw movement also malfunction.
Some of them become overstrained and go into a state of stress (spasm). Over time, they become stiff and inelastic. Severe muscle spasms can cause a crunching or cracking sound due to friction between the hardened ligaments. Additional symptoms may also occur, including pain in the joint area, a feeling of tension in the jaw, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Some of them become overstrained and go into a state of stress (spasm). Over time, they become stiff and inelastic. Severe muscle spasms can cause a crunching or cracking sound due to friction between the hardened ligaments. Additional symptoms may also occur, including pain in the joint area, a feeling of tension in the jaw, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Important! In 90% of cases, jaw crunching is caused by a malocclusion.
A malocclusion is a condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly. This causes the muscles and joints on the right and left sides to work asymmetrically. The load is distributed unevenly, and the joint position shifts, causing friction and crunching in the jaw.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB clinic
Treatment of jaw joint crunching
Diagnosis and all stages of treatment for jaw joint crunching are performed using digital technologies.
Correction of joint position
Correcting the joint alignment is the most difficult part of treatment. If this process is incorrect, the joint can become deformed or worn down, leading to a worsening of the patient's condition.
CRB Clinic specialists digitally model the future joint position so that the joint head is in the anatomically correct position and meets the patient's individual needs.
To realign the joint in the new position, we design and manufacture a custom-made positioning splint based on the model.
We evaluate the results of splint use using two markers:
1) Innervation testing using functional tests. Wearing the splint changes the joint position, relieves pressure on the nerve bundle, and restores innervation of the muscle chains.
2) Joint position verification using CT scans. One week after wearing the splint, we perform control CT scans of the joint, which show changes before and after wearing the splint.
CRB Clinic specialists digitally model the future joint position so that the joint head is in the anatomically correct position and meets the patient's individual needs.
To realign the joint in the new position, we design and manufacture a custom-made positioning splint based on the model.
We evaluate the results of splint use using two markers:
1) Innervation testing using functional tests. Wearing the splint changes the joint position, relieves pressure on the nerve bundle, and restores innervation of the muscle chains.
2) Joint position verification using CT scans. One week after wearing the splint, we perform control CT scans of the joint, which show changes before and after wearing the splint.
Restoration of muscles and ligaments
Before correcting the position of the joint, we begin to work with the muscles and ligaments, because they are the ones that influence the functioning of the jaw apparatus.
Using physiotherapy, we eliminate old muscle memory and muscle spasms and achieve uniform muscle tone. This facilitates the correction process, making it faster and less painful.
The main tools for restoring the muscles and ligaments of the jaw joint are shock wave therapy with the Swiss Storz Medical device and individual manual therapy for each ligament.
Hyaluronic acid and medication can also be used to restore joint elasticity.
Using kinesitherapy, we engage all the muscles necessary for jaw function.
Using physiotherapy, we eliminate old muscle memory and muscle spasms and achieve uniform muscle tone. This facilitates the correction process, making it faster and less painful.
The main tools for restoring the muscles and ligaments of the jaw joint are shock wave therapy with the Swiss Storz Medical device and individual manual therapy for each ligament.
Hyaluronic acid and medication can also be used to restore joint elasticity.
Using kinesitherapy, we engage all the muscles necessary for jaw function.
Bite correction
After correcting the joint using a mouth guard, it is necessary to fix the resulting bite with your own teeth.
The method of bite correction is selected based on individual indications:
1) Orthodontic correction with aligners or braces.
2) Increasing missing tooth height by building up onlays/crowns.
3) Implantation for missing chewing teeth.
Any bite correction for jaw joint problems should be performed after preliminary digital modeling. In some cases, two or three correction methods may be used simultaneously.
Caution! Building up tooth height with filling material is ineffective and carries additional risks of recurrence or worsening of symptoms. This is due to the lack of modeling and the need to perform the work "by eye," as well as the use of a soft filling material that is susceptible to rapid wear.
The method of bite correction is selected based on individual indications:
1) Orthodontic correction with aligners or braces.
2) Increasing missing tooth height by building up onlays/crowns.
3) Implantation for missing chewing teeth.
Any bite correction for jaw joint problems should be performed after preliminary digital modeling. In some cases, two or three correction methods may be used simultaneously.
Caution! Building up tooth height with filling material is ineffective and carries additional risks of recurrence or worsening of symptoms. This is due to the lack of modeling and the need to perform the work "by eye," as well as the use of a soft filling material that is susceptible to rapid wear.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
Digital diagnostics for jaw crunching
The goal of diagnosis is to identify what exactly is causing jaw crunching.
During the diagnostic, we assess the condition and function of the jaw joints, cervical vertebrae, musculoskeletal system, bite alignment, periodontal condition, and the condition of the joint's bony structures.
The diagnostic consists of 7 stages
and takes 2 hours.
Price - 8500 UAH.
Based on the information received, a consultation is held, a treatment plan is drawn up, and an extended consultation is conducted.
During the diagnostic, we assess the condition and function of the jaw joints, cervical vertebrae, musculoskeletal system, bite alignment, periodontal condition, and the condition of the joint's bony structures.
The diagnostic consists of 7 stages
and takes 2 hours.
Price - 8500 UAH.
Based on the information received, a consultation is held, a treatment plan is drawn up, and an extended consultation is conducted.
1) CT scan of both jaws, jaw joints, and cervical vertebrae - allows for an understanding of the condition of the teeth, root canals, bone, joint position, and cervical vertebrae;
2) Dental scanning - allows for an assessment of the correct bite (the proper occlusion of the teeth);
3) Periodontal screening - necessary for assessing the condition of the gums and the volume of the root bone;
4) Photographic protocol - allows for an assessment of the condition of the teeth (presence of chips, cracks, wear), as well as the presence of facial asymmetry caused by uneven muscle tone or bone deformity;
5) Assessment of the amplitude and trajectory of jaw movement - provides an understanding of the presence of joint restrictions and movement asymmetries;
6) Myography - allows for an assessment of the condition of the muscles and the detection of desynchronization of the musculoskeletal system in the jaw system. 7) Innervation testing - allows us to understand whether the nerve bundle is being pinched by the current position of the joint, which can cause additional symptoms throughout the body.
2) Dental scanning - allows for an assessment of the correct bite (the proper occlusion of the teeth);
3) Periodontal screening - necessary for assessing the condition of the gums and the volume of the root bone;
4) Photographic protocol - allows for an assessment of the condition of the teeth (presence of chips, cracks, wear), as well as the presence of facial asymmetry caused by uneven muscle tone or bone deformity;
5) Assessment of the amplitude and trajectory of jaw movement - provides an understanding of the presence of joint restrictions and movement asymmetries;
6) Myography - allows for an assessment of the condition of the muscles and the detection of desynchronization of the musculoskeletal system in the jaw system. 7) Innervation testing - allows us to understand whether the nerve bundle is being pinched by the current position of the joint, which can cause additional symptoms throughout the body.