Dear Patients,

While we watch our much loved Cavaliers move towards the coveted NBA championship, I would like to congratulate all the new grads and wish them good luck in their future endeavors.

When I use the phrase “off the disc” I am referring to the fact that the cartilaginous disc which is supposed to be interposed between the head of the condyle (lower jaw bone) and the glenoid fossae (base of your skull) has been displaced. This also refers to when a patient has the intracapsula form of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).

When a patient is “off the disc” they can experience s plethora of symptoms. The most common audible symptom is the jaw clicking on opening, and clicking or popping on closure. These sounds occur when the capsule or disc repositions itself on the head of the condyle on opening and then jumps back off on closing. When a patient is off the disc, inevitably their condyles are positioned too far posteriorly thereby causing an impingement of the neurovascular bundle. Proprioception, or the body’s warning system, tells the brain to make the jaw move the obstacle out of the way. Thus, the reason people who are off the disc grind their teeth.

If you or someone you love is experiencing jaw clicking and or popping please contact our office for a complimentary consultation.

Sincerely,

Michael W. Dagostino, DDS
your TMJ dentist, serving Ohio