TMJ Evaluation

New York City

A TMJ evaluation is recommended for all patients, and especially patients who describe one or more symptoms of a TMJ disorder. This evaluation consists of a series of questions followed by palpation of the joint and the muscles controlling the joint. The questions aim to determine whether you are overusing your jaw, if there is joint or muscle pain, and the extent of the pain. Some examples are:

Do you have pain upon chewing, yawning, or wide mouth opening?
Do you have difficulty opening your mouth?
Do you suffer from frequent headaches? If so, when do they occur?
Do you hear noises from your jaw joints?

TMJ cause pain and popping in the jaw Your doctor will then evaluate any tenderness in the muscles which control the movement of the TMJ. Palpation of the muscles from the side of your head above your ear to mid-face, as well as within your mouth, is conducted with a fingertip using firm pressure. Any tenderness or soreness may denote a muscle which is sore and fatigued. The joint itself is then palpated and manipulated. Again using firm pressure with a fingertip, your doctor will palpate the joint just in front of your ears to discover any soreness. You will then open and close your jaw as wide as possible. This will allow the evaluation of two things. Any popping or grinding of the jaw upon opening and closing can be evaluated with a fingertip, and your maximum range of opening will be determined. This is repeated with the doctor's fingertip in the external ear canal to discover any displacement or inflammation of the joint.

Finally, your jaw may be gently manipulated through its normal range of motion to evaluate which type of motion causes any symptoms to occur. The proper treatment will be determined from the results of this evaluation.

The information on this page about TMJ / TMD is offered by New York City dentist, Dr. Michael Iott. This information should not be considered formal dental advise about TMJ / TMD treatment. If you would like formal advice, please contact us today to schedule an appointment at our New York City, New York dental office. We offer TMJ / TMD treatment to patients across Manhattan and Queens, New York.