TMJ Testing

A TMJ disorder is a temporomandibular joint disorder (a TMD). A TMJ involves the joint, cartilage, and bone above your ear canals. If the joint isn’t functioning properly (for example, if the joint has slipped out of alignment), then the patient could experience one or more symptoms such as:

– Jaw pain or a popping or clicking jaw when the patient chews or opens his or her mouth
– Pain behind the eyes
– Pain in the ears, ringing in the ears, or ear congestion
– Chronic pain in the facial area
– Frequent headaches
– Sensitive teeth, such as sensitivity to heat or cold
– Difficulty swallowing or a sore throat despite no infection
– Neck problems, such as a lack of mobility or stiffness
– Or other similar symptoms

Sometimes, a patient won’t experience any pain or discomfort, but will still have a persistent problem using their jaw. If you believe you are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to a TMJ, then you might have experienced a prior trauma or another condition.

A TMJ could have been caused by another condition or a trauma, but it can be difficult for a professional to determine the direct cause of a TMJ. Some of the conditions and traumas that can contribute to a TMJ include:

– Whiplash
– A blow to the jaw or cheek
– Teeth grinding or teeth clenching, which can put too much pressure on the TMJ
– Tooth loss or teeth misalignment
– Dislocation or misalignment of the joint
– Excessive gum chewing or nail biting, which can cause inflammation of the TMJ
– Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

If you experience or have experienced any of the conditions or traumas above, and if you’re experiencing symptoms that could be associated with a TMJ, then you will likely benefit from TMJ testing.

There are different methods of TMJ testing and determining whether a patient has a TMJ. A professional will generally:

– Discuss your symptoms with you
– Examine your jaw, check its range of motion, and feel your jaw when you move it
– Press on areas of your jaw to locate areas of discomfort
– Suggest further testing

Further testing, as well as treatment, might utilize advanced technologies such as:

– Cone beam volumetric tomography (CBVT), which allows a professional to take especially detailed, 3-dimensional images of your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues
– K-7 electromyography, which records the proper alignment of the jaw and creates a digital model of your teeth
– Transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), which uses electrodes to send a harmless electrical current that increases blood flow in the joint to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce pain

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, you will receive the proper testing and treatment based on your symptoms and condition or trauma. You can be as confident in our proven methods as we are. We will also provide patients with a custom-made neuromuscular orthotic if necessary. Reach out to us to learn more about our testing treatment methods.

We welcome you to get in touch with us here at our clinic to learn more about TMJ testing or to schedule a consultation with us at one of our multiple locations. During your consultation, we will ask about your symptoms, conditions or trauma, and medical history, then we will discuss TMJ testing, if necessary. To make a booking with us, please see our Appointments page for our locations and contact information. We look forward to speaking with you soon here at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders!