Take the First Step Toward a Healthy Lifestyle with TMJ Diagnostic Services

We all need to live our lives to the fullest. Unfortunately, patients with TMJ discomfort or pain rarely enjoy life because of limitations, even when performing simple activities like speaking, opening and eating can be irritating and uncomfortable. TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when the hinge-like joints (temporomandibular joints) are irritated, inflamed, or injured, causing several undesirable symptoms.

Don’t let TMJ pain diminish your quality of life. Pearls of Dentistry offers TMJ diagnostic services in Poway, California, to ensure you receive precise treatments. Schedule an appointment with Drs. Juergen Langenbach and Lynne Thomas are the first step towards a painless lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of TMJ pain?

The first step in addressing TMJ pain is understanding its history and symptoms. So, how can you tell you have TMJ disorder? Here are the common symptoms.

  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Constant headaches
  • Clicking sounds when you close and open your jaws
  • Ringing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Pain in the face, shoulders, and neck
  • Locked jaws
  • Difficulty or painful opening and closing of the jaws

As you can see, TMJ pain can mimic other medical conditions. This condition can present symptoms similar to other ailments, such as ear infections, sinus problems, tension headaches, or even neurological conditions. This overlap in symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments. Proper TMJ pain evaluation with an experienced doctor is vital for effective treatment.

How is TMJ pain diagnosed?

It all starts with understanding your symptoms. We’ll even scrutinize your medical and dental history, focusing on past injuries, dental work, and a history of arthritis or other joint issues. You can also expect inquiries about stress levels and habits like teeth grinding (bruxism).

We’ll also administer a physical exam, where the doctor observes and palpates the jaw while you open and close your mouth, checking for clicking or grating sounds. Additionally, a physical exam allows us to determine your jaw’s range of motion to see if there are any restrictions. Dental x-rays and 3D scans are often necessary to check for any structural abnormalities.

We don’t stop here! We use the innovative T-Scan or Tekscan to diagnose TMJ pain more precisely. A T-Scan evaluates how your teeth come together when you bite. This procedure involves biting a small sensor to record the timing and force of your bite. The data is displayed in an easy-to-understand graphical format, with color-coded representations of the force distribution. A T-Scan allows the dentist to see any imbalances or areas of excessive pressure.

Is it time for TMJ pain evaluation?

Do you experience symptoms similar to TMJ pain? It’s time to diagnose your pain with pinpoint accuracyโ€”no more guesswork! To get started, call (858) 451-3110 to schedule an appointment with Pearls of Dentistry for precise TMJ diagnosis.