How Is TMJ Diagnosed?

TMJ diagnosis is often difficult because its symptoms sometimes present as other problems. Your specialist must conduct a comprehensive examination to make a thorough diagnosis.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ is the acronym that stands for temporomandibular joint. TMJ disorders are conditions that affect the joints of the jaw and its surrounding ligaments and muscles. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge connecting your jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorder causes pain to the muscles controlling jaw movements and the jaw joint.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders relate to trigger points, chewing muscles, and medical comorbidities. Habits such as biting nails, yawning wide, chewing hard foods, or too much talking can cause overuse. TMJ has various causes such as improper bite, wear, tear, trauma, or arthritis. The pain usually worsens when a patient has other medical problems or becomes very stressed.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the cause and disorder. The most common symptom is having a painful jaw and pain in the surrounding muscles. 

The other signs and symptoms include:
 

• Stiffness in the jaw muscles.
   

• Pain in your neck and face.
   

• Ringing in your ear.
   

• Headaches.
   

• Limited jaw movements.
   

• Jaw locking.
   

• Popping or clicking sound in the TMJ site.
   

• Wearing down of teeth.
   

• Change of teeth alignment due to the shifting of the jaw.
   

• Vertigo.

How Is TMJ Diagnosis Made?

Examining and assessing the TMJ can diagnose whether the temporomandibular disorder is present. Your doctor will do a thorough examination and consultation with your other doctors to rule out other conditions and causes. Below is how the diagnosis happens:
 

• Jaw examination to check for tenderness and pain.
   

• Listening to grating, popping, and clicking sounds as you move your jaw.
   

• Examining how your jaw joints and teeth alignment.
   

• Checking your bite alignment.
   

• Examine your teeth clenching and grinding.
   

• Conducting MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays to view your TMJ and jaw.
   

• Examination of your arms, back, and shoulder muscles.
   

• Checking and examining your facial muscles.
   

• Measuring how your mouth opens.

A TMJ arthroscopy sometimes helps in making a diagnosis. Your doctor will insert a cannula (small tube) in the joint space. They will then insert an arthroscope (small camera) to view the TMJ area and make a diagnosis. 

Treatment

Preventing TMJ is not possible. However, you can reduce some of its symptoms. Your doctor can advise you to start physical therapy to lower your stress levels. You should also work closely with your dentist if you often grind your teeth while you sleep.

TMJ has many causes. Thus, you can also employ various treatment methods. Your doctor may advise you to begin with home treatments. They may do so because most complicated treatments are undergoing research to prove their efficacy.

You can ease your symptoms with self-care practices such as reducing swelling using ice and eating soft meals. You can also take the necessary measures to help reduce your stress levels. Some jaw-stretching exercises can help you improve your jaw movement.

If the TMJ does not ease by using home remedies, some medications can help. Your doctor will advise which medication suits you best based on your health history. You can also go for occasional physical therapy sessions. You can do heat therapy, stretches, acupuncture, and other therapies that target the areas needing the most attention. Stress management exercises also help patients whose TMJ occurs from stress.

Your doctor may recommend other serious treatments if the TMJ does not improve with the other methods. You can get Botox or surgery to replace your joint, align your teeth, improve your bite, or remove debris and fluid from the joint. However, surgery happens on rare occasions.

For more on diagnosing TMJ, visit Concierge Smile Boutique at our office in Culver City, California. You can also call (424) 404-6400 to book an appointment today.