4421 Long Prairie Rd, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX 75028

(972) 539-1491

It is possible that when you move your jaw in one way or another it can make a clicking or popping sound. The sound comes from the jaw cracking. It is similar to when you crack your knuckles. It is possible that most of your bones in the body can make that cracking sound at one time. Most will wonder two things about their jaw cracking. They will wonder if it is a problem and they will wonder if it happens without them even realizing it.

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)


When you crack your knuckles, you are doing it at the place where two bones meet. The same is true when you hear the cracking sound in your jaw. The temporomandibular joint is the place where the jaw bone attaches to the skull. There is a joint on both sides of the face. This joint is supported by ligaments, tendons and muscles. There is also connective tissue and bones in the area of the joint. All these things have to work in harmony for the TMJ to work properly. When they do not work properly, a person will experience TMJ disorders and the symptoms that come along with it.

When the TMJ joint is not working in harmony a person can experience symptoms that range from soreness to difficulty opening or closing the jaw to cracking of the jaw. The severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the problems with the TMJ. Many people will only experience symptoms occasionally and may not realize they suffer from a TMJ disorder.

Will You Realize It Happens?


Depending on the severity of the TMJ disorder, you may not always hear your jaw cracking. It is possible that the symptoms of the problem are minor, and things happen like a cracking of the jaw without you knowing it. The problem is that unless you take steps to manage and treat the TMJ, the problems will get worse. As the joint deteriorates, the symptoms will become more obvious and at some point, you will hear when your jaw cracks. If the problem is severe, we may be able to offer relief with jaw surgery.

Contact our office today. Schedule your appointment with one of our dental professionals.