TMJ Evaluation is a Multi-Level Process
Determining the causes of TMJ is a process. When a patient comes to my office with head and neck pains there are many considerations that need to be followed. A thorough TMJ examination is completed and usually takes from 45minutes to an hour.
I have the patient tell me what they think the problem is and what caused this problem. Then I start with my questions.
The first question is if they are under the care of a physician for any conditions, any medications, and how they would consider their overall health.
Next, is there any history of trauma? Childhood injuries through current, influence your jaw and head and neck. In addition, head posture for instance, holding a phone, playing an instrument, sports, all play a part in the diagnosis.
Facial Pain:
Has there been treatment or recommendations prior? Are they feeling pain, hearing noise, any limitations of movement, are all a part of the TMJ dysfunction? I also need to know how long these symptoms have been going on. What treatments have been used or recommended?
- Bite splint
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Occlusal adjustment
- Orthodontics
- Counseling
- Surgery
- Other
- Botox
Current Stress factors:
We discuss if there are any stresses you are experiencing. Stress is a part of life, and we all deal with them differently.
Current symptoms:
Here are the symptoms that can help identify the cause and treatment.
- Head pain, headaches, facial pain
- Eye pain/ ear orbital problems
- mouth, face, cheek, and chin problems
- teeth and gum problems
- jaw and jaw joint TMD problems
- pain, ear problems, and postural imbalances
- neck and shoulder pain
- throat problems
- other pain
There is a detailed evaluation of the head and neck muscles, checking for a range of movement, and pain on palpation. Each muscle or muscle group is evaluated. In addition, they are to bring in their current appliances to enable me to make a recommendation if this is working to calm the symptoms.
If you have TMJ or pain in your jaw, head, or neck, have migraines, or any of these types of symptoms, contact us at www.StonehamCosmeticDentist.com or 781-438-7900.
