TMJ Disorder Symptoms & Diagnosis

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