What type of noise suggests disc displacement with reduction?

• A. Hard/diffuse crepitus
• B. Clicking/popping
• C. Squeaking
• D. Ringing

Answer: (B)

Audible, brief clicking or popping during jaw movement is the classic sign of disc displacement with reduction. When the mouth opens, the articular disc moves back into place over the condyle, producing a sudden, sharp click as it reduces; this may be heard or felt on movement and can occur with opening and sometimes again with closing. This noise reflects the disc being displaced in one position and then relocating during movement, rather than a grinding or rough-surface sound.

Hard or diffuse crepitus suggests degenerative joint changes or roughened articular surfaces rather than a simple disc relocation sound, so it’s less consistent with disc displacement with reduction. Squeaking and ringing aren’t typical descriptors for this condition.