To investigate further, we performed a condylography — a diagnostic procedure that tracks the movement of the lower jaw.
The results revealed: a dislocation of the right TMJ without reduction — meaning the joint head was not returning to its correct position during jaw opening.
To confirm the diagnosis, we referred the patient for an MRI scan, which verified the dislocation.
What we did next:
- We fabricated a new, custom-made splint tailored to the patient’s jaw structure and function.
- Shortly after starting to wear the new splint, the patient noticed clicking sounds again — this time, it indicated that the joint was reducing properly and the dislocated head was returning into place.
- We repeated the condylography and made precise adjustments to the splint to stabilize the improvement and guide proper jaw movement.
Next step:
The patient will begin orthodontic treatment with braces to align the teeth and support long-term joint stability.
The absence of clicking doesn’t always mean the joint is healthy. Only comprehensive diagnostics like condylography and MRI can reveal the true condition of the TMJ. It’s essential to treat not just the symptoms, but the root cause of the dysfunction.
