TMJ Disorder Symptoms & Diagnosis

Get Email Updates

Related Topics

TMJ Disorder Guide

Christine Jeffries

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Free Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER!

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the temporomandibular joint, jaw, or face
  • Pain may be worse with chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds with movement of the jaw
  • A sensation of the jaw catching or locking briefly, while attempting to open or close the mouth, or while chewing
  • Difficulty opening the mouth completely
  • A bite that feels off, uncomfortable, or as though it is frequently changing
  • Swelling in the affected side of the face or mouth
  • Painful muscle spasm in the area of the temporomandibular joint
  • Headache
  • Earache
  • Neck, back, and/or shoulder pain

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The physical exam may include:

  • Range of motion tests
  • Listening for sounds of popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joints
  • Visual inspection of your teeth, temporomandibular joints, and muscles of your face and head
  • Palpation of the joints and the muscles of the face and head

Other tests may include:

  • X-rays —plain x-rays or panoramic dental x-rays of the jaw and jaw joint
  • Arthrography—jaw movements videotaped with x-rays taken after dye is injected into the joint
  • MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to create detailed images of the joint

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

More TMJ Disorder Information

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

Improved

620 Health

Changed

294 Lives

Saved

210 Lives
2 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More


  

Connect with Women Like You 98 Women Care About this Condition

You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!

+ Join this Community

Take our Featured Poll

Have you ever had problems with your mental health? What did you do about it? :
View Results