Exams and Tests
Currently there is no widely accepted
standard test for identifying the cause of
. But your dentist or
primary care doctor will most likely be able to accurately diagnose your
condition with information from a
medical history and physical exam.
Most
TM disorders are caused or made worse by muscle tension (tightness). Expect
your doctor to suggest treatment that does not involve surgery or
permanent changes to the jaw (conservative treatment) to relieve your jaw pain,
muscle tension, and TM joint problems.
If you have sudden pain
after a facial or jaw injury, your doctor is likely to order some
type of imaging test, such as an X-ray, a CT scan, or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI).
If conservative treatment has not worked
If
conservative treatment has not worked and your jaw is locking in place (a sign
of disc displacement), your pain is severe or chronic, or
you have other medical problems, such as
, other tests may be needed. These
tests are usually done only if knowing their results could change your
recommended treatment plan.
If your symptoms persist after the
first period of treatment, your doctor may begin to look for
problems in the jaw joint structure. Other tests may include:
- X-ray. This
test can confirm whether the bones are worn away, broken, or disfigured. If
disc displacement is suspected, X-rays may be helpful to show the size of the
joint space. A narrow joint space can be a sign that the disc is
affected.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A
view of the soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, and articular disc) is useful in
showing disc displacement or damage. Although expensive, MRI is thought to be the
most effective imaging technique for assessing TM disorders that may involve
disc problems.