Your First TMJ Consultation: What to Expect and How to Get a Diagnosis

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, our team is dedicated to providing a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for your jaw, facial pain, and sleep-related concerns. To help us understand your unique symptoms and medical history, we recommend bringing the following information to your first temporomandibular joint (TMJ) appointment:

● Symptom Details: Make a list of your TMJ-related symptoms, such as jaw pain, clicking, popping, locking, headaches, earaches, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Note when your symptoms began, how often they occur, and any activities or movements that make them better or worse.

● Medication List: Bring a complete list of all medications you currently take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. This helps us avoid any potential interactions and better tailor your treatment plan.

● Allergy Information: Let us know about any allergies you may have, especially to medications or dental materials that might be used during diagnosis or treatment.

● Previous Records: If you’ve previously seen other healthcare providers for jaw, dental, or facial pain, please bring any relevant records, such as written summaries, dental X-rays, MRIs, or notes from other treatments you’ve tried. If your dentist has commented on your jaw, bite, or has provided imaging, bringing those records can be very helpful.

● Medical History: Share information about your overall health, including past surgeries, chronic illnesses, or any trauma to your head, neck, or jaw. Habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, or a history of stress can also be important for our evaluation.

● Questions and Concerns: Write down any questions or concerns you wish to discuss with our providers. Being prepared ensures you get the most out of your visit and that all your concerns are addressed.

Bringing this information will help the team provide you with the most thorough evaluation and personalized care possible. We look forward to helping you find relief and improve your quality of life.

Whether you need a referral to visit Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders depends on your health insurance plan.

How We Can Help:
Our experienced team includes dental professionals trained in TMJ disorders and sleep-related issues. If your dentist or doctor suspects TMJ dysfunction, they may recommend you to a specialist like the ones at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. However, you are welcome to contact us directly with questions about symptoms, insurance, and appointment scheduling.

If you are dealing with symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, or difficulty moving your jaw, don’t wait—contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today. We can help you navigate your insurance requirements and coordinate care, whether you have a referral or not. Our goal is to make your path to relief as smooth as possible.

We will begin by asking you to describe your pain or discomfort in detail. For example, you may be asked about the location of your jaw pain, when it started, whether it is constant or intermittent, and if you notice it more during certain activities—such as chewing, talking, or yawning. We’ll also inquire about the intensity and quality of your pain (sharp, dull, throbbing, aching, etc.), and what seems to make it better or worse, such as changes in your bite, stress, or sleep position.

In addition to your current symptoms, our team will review your overall medical history. This includes any previous jaw injuries, dental procedures, or diagnoses such as sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, teeth grinding (bruxism), or chronic headaches. We’ll also ask if you’ve experienced similar symptoms in the past, how they were treated, and whether those treatments were effective. Please bring a list of any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as information about allergies.

Understanding your lifestyle is also important. We may ask about your daily activities and habits, including your occupation (especially if it involves frequent speaking or stress), exercise routine, and sleep patterns. We’re interested in whether you snore, experience daytime fatigue, or have noticed symptoms such as jaw clicking, limited mouth opening, or facial muscle tenderness. If you have noticed other symptoms—like ringing in the ears, neck pain, or changes in your sleep quality—please let us know.

After your initial TMJ (temporomandibular joint) appointment at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, you can expect a thorough combination of assessment, education, and a personalized plan for next steps. During your visit, our experienced providers will carefully evaluate your jaw function, discuss your symptoms in detail, and may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or an MRI for a clearer understanding of your condition.

Following your exam, some mild jaw discomfort is possible, particularly if your provider needed to gently move your jaw or examine the surrounding muscles. This typically resolves quickly and is a normal part of the assessment process.

We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Your provider will review their initial findings with you, explain possible causes of your TMJ symptoms, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also receive practical self-care guidance tailored to your needs, which may include:

● Eating softer foods to minimize jaw strain
● Avoiding habits like gum chewing or wide yawning
● Using ice or heat packs for comfort
● Practicing gentle jaw exercises as demonstrated by your provider
● Recommendations for medications if pain or inflammation is present

It’s important to note that a final diagnosis or comprehensive treatment plan is rarely made during the first visit. Instead, your care team at Koala® Center will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, review any imaging results, and further customize your treatment plan. If appropriate, we may also collaborate with our in-house dental specialists or refer you to other providers, such as physical therapists or oral surgeons, to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care.

Scheduling an appointment at Koala® Center is simple and patient focused, ensuring you receive timely care for your sleep or TMJ concerns. To make an appointment, you can call your nearest Koala® Center using the phone number provided on their official website. Many of their locations also offer an easy-to-use online appointment request form, allowing you to submit your contact information and preferred dates for your visit.

After you submit your request, a dedicated staff member will contact you to confirm your appointment details and answer any questions about your specific sleep or TMJ needs. If you prefer, you can also stop by your local center during office hours to schedule in person.

To ensure your appointment goes smoothly, review the patient resources available on their website before your visit. This may include completing patient forms, gathering relevant medical records, or preparing a list of current symptoms and concerns. Being prepared helps the Koala® Center team provide you with the most effective, personalized care for sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorders, and related conditions.

Whether you are seeking relief from TMJ pain, sleep apnea, or other sleep-related issues, Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders makes accessing specialized care convenient and stress-free. We serve patients from Wausau WI, Schofield WI, Weston WI, Rothschild WI, Brokaw WI, and surrounding areas.