TMJ disorders

Alternative Names

Symptoms

• Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Clicking sound while chewing or opening the mouth
• Dull, aching pain in the face
• Earache
• Grating sensation while chewing
• Headache
• Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
• Reduced ability to open or close the mouth

Exams and Tests

TMJ pain and symptoms may need to be checked by more than one medical specialist, such as your primary care provider, a dentist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, depending on your symptoms. Some dentists specialize in TMJ diagnosis and treatment.

A thorough examination may involve:

• A dental examination to show if you have poor bite alignment
• An MRI of the jaw area
• Feeling the joint and connecting muscles for tenderness
• Pressing around the head for areas that are sensitive or painful
• Sliding the teeth from side to side
• Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
• X-rays to show abnormalities

In some cases, the results of the physical exam may appear normal.

References

American Dental Association. TMD/TMJ (temporomandibular disorders). Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tmd_tmj.asp.

Lobbezoo F. Topical review: new insights into the pathology and diagnosis of disorders of the temporomandibular joint. J Orofac Pain. 2004; 18(3): 181-191.

Simons DC, Travell JG. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Vol. 1. Upper Half of the Body. 2nd Ed. Atlanta, GA: Emory University;1998.