Jaw popping after having cavities filled?

I had two cavities filled last week by my dentist. For two days afterwards, my jaw was very sore and I couldn't open much. After rinsing with salt and water, it became better, but now my jaw pops to the left every time I open wide. Is it TMJ/TMD? Did the Dentist cause it? Will it go away?


Thanks

Jaw popping after having cavities filled?
Jaws are meant to close so when you hold your mouth open for a period of time (like to get fillings) it stresses the joint. Your dentist didn't cause it but you may have a slight TMJ and holding your mouth open for fillings just irritated it. You can take Ibuprofen (Advil) this helps reduce the swelling in the joint. Next time take some before you have work done in your mouth so it won't bother you as bad.





I have TMJ sometimes dental work irritates it and sometimes it doesn't. Make sure you mention this to your dentist next time you are in the office.