Arthrocentesis is a simple, less invasive, inexpensive, and highly efficient procedure for closed lock of the temporomandibular joint with regard to the lack of recurrence of symptoms during extended periods of follow-up and significiant improvement in pain and jaw function. It can be performed under local anesthesia. Arthrocentesis closed lock provide sustained normal joint function and marked pain relief. This study is the clinical outcome of arthrocentesis for closed lock of the temporomandibular joint. 160 patients(169 joints) who had experienced sudden-onset, persistent limited mouth opening were the subjects of this study. Arthrocentesis of the upper compartment of the affected TMJ was performed using normal saline. As results, at 3-60 months postarthrocentesis maximum mouth opening(MMO) had increased from mean of 27.7mm to 43.5mm, contralateral movements(CLM) from mean 5.74mm to 9.55mm, midline deviation during mouth opening from mean 3.04mm to 0.69mm. In 130 cases there was a history of joint noises, in 52 cases all noise had ceased after procedures.