Warning Signs in Your Medical History

We will take a complete medical history to determine whether you have other medical conditions that may put you at increased risk for TMJ, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

At our Detroit TMJ office, we will also talk to you about your pain. You have the most experience with your jaw discomfort, which makes you the expert on it. And because TMJ is a highly individual condition, we will listen carefully to your description of your pain. We’re especially interested in when it started, whether it’s a continuous pain, intermittent, related to jaw motion, or if you’ve just experienced it once. We want to know whether your pain limits your activities or not.

We’ll also ask about related symptoms, such as jaw sounds, headaches, ear pain, or ringing in the ears. In addition to physical symptoms, we’ll ask about psychological symptoms, such as might be related to depression or anxiety. We’ll ask about symptoms that may or may not be related to your TMJ to make sure that you don’t have other conditions that could be confused with TMJ or might be related, such as sleep apnea.

Your TMJ Diagnosis Exam

After taking your medical history, we’ll perform an examination of your entire jaw system. We will observe you opening and closing your jaw. We may want to feel your jaw as you open and close it to get a good sense of what’s happening—it’s often easier to feel subtle sounds than hear them. We may take detailed measurements of your jaw as you open and close it.

Next, we will feel all your jaw muscles. We will press on them gently to determine if they’re loose or tensed. You may also experience pain when we do this. If you do, it’s important to report it — it will help us track down the exact nature of your TMJ. You should also tell us if the pain you’re feeling is new or familiar.

We’ll feel your temporomandibular joints when they’re relaxed, but also when you open or close your jaw. We will also have to feel muscles inside your mouth.

Imaging and Measuring Your TMJ

woman holding her ear in painThe questionnaire and physical exam will give us a lot of information, but sometimes the only way to get usable data about your TMJ is to get detailed imaging of the joints themselves. Sometimes a panoramic dental x-ray will be sufficient, but often we will use a CT scan for imaging the bones of the joint or an MRI for imaging soft tissue like the cushioning disk or ligaments in the joint. Sometimes ultrasound can be used for imaging the joint, too.

In addition, we may use what is known as a K-7 to get data about the state of your joint. It has the ability to precisely measure the exact sound of your jaw joint, can determine how tensed your individual jaw muscles are, and use computerized tracking in 3D to pinpoint irregularities in your jaw motion.

We may use a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine to help with measurements. TENS is a kind of electric massage that helps your muscles relax so we can see how much of your jaw position and motion is related to muscle tension.

Take The First Step Toward Relief

Living with jaw pain, headaches, or ear discomfort can make every day a struggle — but you don’t have to keep guessing about the cause. At the Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness, our advanced diagnostic process helps patients in Detroit find clear answers and effective solutions for TMJ.

If you’re ready for relief, the first step is a comprehensive TMJ assessment. We’ll carefully evaluate your jaw system, explain your results, and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.

Don’t let untreated TMJ continue to interfere with your comfort and quality of life. Call us today at (248) 480-0085 to schedule your TMJ diagnosis in Detroit, or request an appointment online now.

Dentists start by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, then perform a physical exam to check your jaw’s movement, muscles, and joints. If more detail is needed, they may use additional technology to look closely at the joint.

TMJ can mimic or overlap with several conditions. It is sometimes mistaken for ear infections, sinus issues, migraines, or even dental problems like toothaches. In some cases, clenching from stress or sleep apnea can create similar symptoms. A thorough exam helps rule out other causes and confirm TMJ.

Both are simple screening methods that highlight possible jaw issues. In the 3 finger test, you try to fit three fingers vertically between your upper and lower teeth. If you can’t do so without pain or limitation, it may indicate restricted jaw movement. In the pencil test, you hold a pencil between your teeth and gently move your jaw side to side. Pain, uneven motion, or strain during the test may suggest jaw joint dysfunction. While useful for identifying potential problems, these tests are not diagnostic tools on their own — only a dentist can confirm TMJ.

You should see a dentist if you experience frequent jaw pain, headaches, ear discomfort, clicking or popping sounds, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. If symptoms interfere with eating, speaking, or daily activities — or if they’ve lasted more than a few weeks — it’s time to schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from getting worse and help you find effective relief.