TMJ Doc - could you answer this?

[bbuster]

Thanks in advance for your previous help and insight. Could you answer these questions for me?
1. What is/are the causes for jaw deviation (opening and closing)?
2. My multiple pops - perhaps crepitus? is on closing ONLY. Everything I read says the pop/s are on opening AND closing. Could you comment?
3. My jaw pops out and then back in when I yawn - one side predominates over the other - of what is this indicative?

Thabnks so much.......................

[TMJDoc]

All of the symptoms you've listed are due to the disc that you jaw functions on not being in the right place most of the time(or all of the time, perharps).  Over time the ligaments that hold that disc in place have become stretched and/or torn and now do not keep the disc stabile (in the right position).  Because of that instability your jaw position (in the joint itself) has most likely changed over time.  For the dentists who's philosophy is to try to get your jaw functioning with the disc in place (to the best of our ability) we basically use oral appliances (orthotics, splints, etc.) to put the jaw back in a better, more ideal functional relationship to the upper jaw.  That needs to be in that position until symptoms subside or stabilize.  Quite often since your teeth will not 'match' (bites change over time to adapt to the joint changes) correctly, after correcting this relationship, orthodontics, crowns or some other way of getting the teeth to hit correctly may be needed.  This should stabilize the joint however and be a more permant, stabile position long term.  Some dentist are trained to not change jaw position and then do their best to control the symptoms.  Although I do that on rare occasions I have found that it's a never ending saga for far too may patients, so obviously I subscribe to the 1st treatment philosophy.  Hope that helps, but in a nutshell, you're having problem with the articular disc due to ligament damage.

[bbuster]

Thank you for this detailed explanation. I don't know how this happened. It started with an intermittant earache - no infection. The I noticed a clicking/popping/multiple sounds on closing. Jaw deviation when opening and closing - jaw deviation AWAY from "bad" side. I even bite my tongue about once a night when my jaw snaps!! My jaw continues to pop out on bad side when I yawn, and of course, the face pain which moves around. Talking and chewing really makes it much worse - and I'm a teacher!! Anyway, thanks for your insight - you extend a great kindness - wish you were in Florida!!