TMD EVALUATION

SCREENING FOR TMD

Screening for TMD should be an essential part of routine dental and medical examinations.  A brief TMD screening evaluation may include:

BRIEF HISTORY of jaw pain, headache, neckache, noises in the TMJs, catching or locking of the jaws, injuries to the jaw, head, neck and prior TMD or orofacial pain treatment.

A SCREENING EXAM may include measurements of jaw opening and side-to-side movements, jaw deviation on opening, palpation (pressure applied with the fingers) of the TMJs, jaw, head and neck muscles to localize painful areas and identify joint noises. Evaluation of the gums, oral soft tissue and teeth, and making a record of disease, excessive tooth wear and general symmetry of the jaw, face and head may also be done.  If significant findings for TMD are identified, a more comprehensive history and clinical examination should be conducted. 

COMPREHENSIVE TMD EVALUATION

THE COMPREHENSIVE TMD EVALUATION may include:

COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY of all jaw, head, and neck symptoms, medical history, dental history, personal history, family history and psychological history.

COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION of the TMJs, cervical spine, muscles of the jaw, head and neck, neurological and neurovascular structures, teeth, gums, and oral hard and soft tissues.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION including a brief interview and testing when indicated.

ADDITIONAL TESTS including X-rays and diagnostic imaging, biopsies, blood tests, urinalysis, neurological tests and diagnostic injections, may be necessary.

TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF TMJS

MRI IMAGE OF TMJ 

What is TMJ?

TMD Factors