Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD) causes significant discomfort for sufferers and is often misdiagnosed or overlooked by medical professionals. Diagnosing TMJ Disorder requires a specific skill set and diagnostic techniques and technologies that require the help of a TMJ Dentist! Explore our newest blog today to learn how Dr. Mistry diagnoses TMJ Disorder so that you can finally get to the root of your pain if you suffer from TMJ/TMD symptoms.
TMJ/TMD Symptoms
TMJ/TMD symptoms can vary greatly, depending on the severity of your case. But common TMJ Dysfunction symptoms include teeth or facial pain, as well as jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, stuffy ears, dizziness, jaw clicking/popping, jaw locking/catching, or pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, and back. Additionally, TMJ Dysfunction may present discomfort or pain when chewing, talking, or opening your mouth wide like when yawning. Discomfort or pain associated with TMJ/TMD can even affect your quality of life and leave you on an endless search for pain relief.
The Role of a TMJ Doctor
TMJ Dentists like Dr. Mistry are skilled and experienced in diagnosing and treating disorders of the jaw and face, specifically TMJ Dysfunction. Her expertise is critical because TMJ Dysfunction often produces symptoms that mimic other medical conditions – such as Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia, Cervical Dystonia, Chronic Migraines, Hemicrania Continua, and more – which is why diagnosing it can be a challenge for many other types of doctors or practitioners. Furthermore, Dr. Mistry’s training and skills involve the use of specific diagnostic technologies and techniques that focus primarily on jaw joint function as well as the function and health of the muscles of the head, neck, and jaw.
Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Symptoms and Pain History
Your TMJ Dysfunction consultation begins by gathering information about your symptoms and pain history. Dr. Mistry will ask you questions about when your symptoms first began, their frequency, duration, and intensity. This information helps your Dr. Mistry understand how your pain has manifested over time, which is an important insight on the underlying cause of TMJ Dysfunction.
Physical Examination
Dr. Mistry will conduct a thorough physical examination by palpating your jaw joints and the muscles around your jaw, face, and head to check for abnormalities or discomfort that could indicate Temporomandibular Dysfunction. This exam also involves having you open and close your jaw as Dr. Mistry evaluates the condition of your temporomandibular joints. She will also listen and feel sounds like popping or clicking noises that may occur as you move your jaw open and closed. During the exam, Dr. Mistry will also assess your posture as posture can have an impact on TMJ/TMD. Lastly, she will examine your bite closely as an imbalanced bite can also imbalanced bite can also be a cause of TMJ/TMD. At the end of the physical examination, Dr. Mistry will provide a preliminary diagnosis.
Diagnostic Imaging
All imaging is done at the “workup” appointment – the next appointment after the initial examination. This imaging is used to solidify Dr. Mistry’s preliminary diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging such as a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan is useful diagnostic technology as this digital imaging provides a detailed view of the bone and soft tissue structures within the jaw, head, and neck. These diagnostic images could reveal jaw joint deterioration, cervical spine problems, and more. Dr. Mistry also uses TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and the K7 scan (often used with neuromuscular dentistry) to measure muscles firing and to find the optimal position of the jaw. Dr. Mistry uses this position AND her knowledge of your jaw condition to create what is called your “prescription” and is built into the custom orthotics she makes. TekScan technology may also be used, which measures the relative bite force of every tooth.
Review Medical and Dental History
Dr. Mistry will also review your complete medical and dental history as part of your consultation to identify any underlying conditions or previous dental work that could be linked to TMJ Dysfunction.
Psychosocial Evaluation
You may not realize it, but stress can cause or worsen TMJ Dysfunction due to increased force, frequency, and duration of bruxism or clenching and grinding of your teeth while sleeping or during the day (without even realizing that you’re doing it). Clenching/bruxing activity engages the TMJ muscles constantly which can put the muscles of the head, neck, and jaw into a chronic pain/spasm cycle, leading to jaw pain. Therefore, understanding your psychosocial history helps Dr. Mistry determine the source of your TMJ pain.
TMJ Dysfunction Evaluation/Examination in Vancouver, WA near Portland, OR
Achieving a pain-free life starts with discovering the cause of your pain with the help of a TMJ Practitioner near you. If you experience symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mistry (the TMJ Doc) in Vancouver, WA for a thorough and comprehensive exam. To learn more about TMJ disorder or schedule your appointment, contact The TMJ Doc by calling (503) 255-8293.
