Do you suffer from pain, discomfort, or a locked jaw when you talk, chew and yawn? If so, it’s possible that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) doesn’t function correctly. It is important to understand the TMJ disorder’s symptoms and get an accurate diagnosis if needed.
In this blog post, we will discuss how doctors diagnose temporomandibular joint disorder so that you can make informed choices about your health care. We will explore the physical examination procedures and imaging options such as x-rays and scans used for diagnosing this condition. Knowing what tests are available is important to understand all of your treatment options moving forward. Keep reading to find out more!
Signs of TMJ Dysfunction
Unusual sounds from the jaw are often among the first signs of TMJ dysfunction. Sufferers have described it as a clicking or popping noise. It can also sound and feel like something grating when the jaw is opened and closed.
You may also experience pain or sensitivity along the backside of the jaw over the years. Pain or pressure may also be present on the sides of your face or into your neck and shoulders. You’re most likely to feel it when opening your mouth wide, chewing, or speaking.
In some extreme cases, you may notice swelling on the side of your face. Your teeth can feel like they don’t fit together properly. You may feel your teeth suddenly knock together when eating, or your jaw could get stuck in one position.
Chronic TMD is characterized by pain lasting longer than three months. A TMD diagnosis may be supported by aberrant mandibular movement, reduced range of motion, discomfort of masticatory muscles, pain with dynamic loading, symptoms of bruxism, muscular exhaustion, and sensitivity of neck or shoulder muscles.
Complementary and alternative medicine strategies may aid in managing TMJ-related persistent pain. Opioids are not advised and, if prescribed, should be administered for a brief duration to patients with severe pain for whom non-opiate therapy has been unsuccessful.
Getting A Proper TMJ Diagnosis
If you have any signs of TMJ dysfunction, your dentist will perform a thorough checkup. That may involve pressing down on certain points of the jaw to see if it hurts or to detect points of weakness. They may ask you to open and close your mouth to check for any abnormal sounds.
Finally, your dentist will use years of experience and training to look for signs of TMJ dysfunction. X-rays are also commonly used, and CT scans are necessary for some circumstances. Your dentist will rule out all other possible causes of your symptoms before diagnosing you with TMJ disorder.
In addition, digital x-rays take a closer look at your neck, head, and jaw joints. Some state-of-the-art technology dentists use for a TMJ diagnosis include:
CBCT Scan
3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an imaging method that enables dentists to assess the underlying bone structure, nerve networks, and surrounding soft tissues. During a CBCT scan, the imaging device revolves completely around the head of the patient.
CBCT scans provide a full image for dentists attempting to detect TMJ using modern 3D x-rays. It displays the full head and neck region. Included in this are your spine, jaw joints, and teeth.
Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic technique for evaluating the health of muscles and the nerve cells that govern them (motor neurons). EMG data might identify nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, or signal transmission issues between nerves and muscles.
The transmission of electrical impulses by motor neurons causes muscular contraction. The EMG converts these impulses into graphs, noises, or quantitative numbers, which an expert subsequently analyzes.
A needle electrode is placed directly into a muscle during a needle EMG to capture the electrical activity in that muscle.
EMGs measure your head and neck muscle activity. The focus is muscle stimulation, which helps determine the TMJ treatment to move forward with.
Sonography/Joint Vibration Analysis
Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) utilizes computer technology to record and detect the vibrations created by your joints, namely within your jaw joints or, more specifically, the TMJ.
This technology helps your dentist to “listen” to your joints. It provides them a greater insight into what is happening to your joint disc. It also helps determine if there are any abnormalities.
K7 Jaw Tracking
The K7 Evaluation System is a groundbreaking technology that measures, displays, and stores data utilizing three different technologies. Tracking, electromyography, and joint sonography are employed to examine the anatomical condition and function of the jaw.
Firstly, this shows your dentist the path your jaw takes when it moves. In addition, it also offers an understanding of where your jaw should rest for the best muscle positioning.
TENS Unit
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment treats pain using low-voltage electric currents. A tiny gadget administers the electrical current to or near nerves. TENS treatment inhibits or alters pain perception.
Small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body when the machine is turned on, causing a tingling sensation. Electrical impulses can inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain, alleviating pain and relaxing muscles.
T-Scan Digital Bite Analyzer
This mobile instrument helps the dentist assess the bite’s balance quickly and precisely. Patients merely bite down on an ultra-thin sensor, and the gadget monitors the time and force of the bite on each tooth, sending the data to a computer for analysis and display.
This technology offers information about how your teeth touch and the amount of pressure each of your teeth experiences. This tool provides a better insight into how this affects your jaw muscles. It helps to understand your bite and balance and determine TMJ treatments.
Diagnostic Injections
Injections of local anesthetic into trigger sites affecting the masticatory muscles can be used as a diagnostic adjunct to identify the cause of jaw discomfort. Only physicians and dentists competent in anesthetizing the auriculotemporal nerve area should undertake this procedure. Complication rates are minimal when a procedure is conducted appropriately. Pain that persists with proper nerve blocking should prompt the doctor to review TMD symptoms and investigate a different diagnosis.
Conditions that May Mimic TMJ Disorder
Cluster, Migraine, or Tension Headaches
Although headaches are commonly felt in the forehead, they can also emanate from the sides of the face and temples, causing radiating pain. Chronic cluster, migraine, or tension headaches may be misdiagnosed as TMJ condition, especially because TMJ disorder can produce these types of headaches.
Sinus Issues
Chronic sinusitis can also cause discomfort around the temples that resembles TMJ dysfunction. An infection is often followed by fever and drainage; allergies or structural abnormalities inside the sinuses may cause chronic sinus troubles.
Things You Can Look for on Your Own
How can you determine if you need to contact a dentist? What if the pain is intermittent and does not typically last long?
Here are a few things you may examine to help you identify if you have a TMJ condition and if you need to consult a dentist:
- Orofacial or temporomandibular joint pain or discomfort.
- Facial or auricular discomfort
- Difficulty opening and shutting the mouth when speaking or chewing
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, even infrequently, you should inform your dentist.
Read More: Can TMJ Disorder Cause Throat Pain?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about how TMJ is diagnosed
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMDs, it is important to consult a TMJ specialist in Gilbert, AZ, in treating these conditions. Experiencing chronic pain such as orofacial pain, joint pain, and other bodily pain can derail your quality of life. Garza DDS can help you determine if you have TMJ and, if so, provide treatment that promotes pain relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you get interventions for pain from your TMD symptoms.