Wondering how TMJ disorders are diagnosed and addressed? Read on to learn more. Disorders of the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, can cause long-lasting soreness and discomfort for patients. They are not always simple to diagnose, and patients may not even realize that the TMJ is the source of the problem. Once you seek treatment, one of the first things the dentist will likely do is perform a bite analysis. This quick, simple procedure can provide a lot of information on the functioning of the TMJ and what options are available to address the problem.
A patient’s bite pattern is a big indicator of how their temporomandibular joint is functioning. Dentists can collect information from this simple test to inform the rest of the treatment.
A bite analysis is a test (or a small series of tests) that the dentist performs to visualize how the teeth come together when the jaw is closed and what strain may be placed on the TMJ. The easiest way to do that is to use the dental stick test. The dentist places a thin wooden stick (like a tongue depressor) between the molars on one side and asks the patient to bite down to hold it in place. If the patient feels pain on the same side, they may be facing muscular issues. If pain appears on the opposite side, it could indicate that the TMJ is not functioning correctly.
Another test they might conduct is an articulating paper test. The dentist inserts a thin strip of paper, almost like a film strip, in between the top and bottom jaw. Then, the patient is asked to tap their teeth together a few times or gently grind the teeth on the paper. This leaves colored (but temporary) marks on the teeth, which can show if the cusps of some teeth are making contact with opposite teeth in a way they are not supposed to. This could indicate uneven bite pressure stemming from TMJ issues or a potential cause of the imbalance in the joint.
Bite analysis is just one tool in a dentist’s arsenal to evaluate patients for TMJ disorder. Imaging is another important facet, whether through x-rays, CT scans, or something else. This can grant a full view of the facial structure to inform treatment. A manual examination is also appropriate, in which the dentist may physically manipulate the face with their hands. They may gently press on the masseter muscles or move the jaw to feel clicking, popping, or noise generation.
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If you think you might be experiencing TMJ disorder, it is important to talk to a dentist as soon as possible so the problem does not get worse. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, and we can perform a bite analysis and other diagnostic testing to determine whether TMJ issues are the source of your problem. From there, we can create a customized plan to get you feeling better.
Request an appointment or call Elliott Ostro, DMD at 212-847-3833 for an appointment in our New York office.
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