The mouth is a busy organ. It opens and closes every day to eat, speak, and yawn, but we rarely appreciate the role of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in making all this happen.
The TMJ connects the skull to the jaw to support the mouth’s opening and closing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, the TMJ, like other parts of the body, is prone to disease. So, can a dentist diagnose TMJ disorders?
A Quick Look at TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular disorders affect the TMJ joints on both sides of your face. This condition falls into three categories:
- Joint disorders such as disc disorders, degenerative joint disease, and joint pain
- TMJ-related headaches
- Disorders of the chewing muscles (masticatory muscles)
Although most temporomandibular disorders go away after a while, the condition can turn chronic. Additionally, the disorders can occur by themselves or with conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and back pain.
Can A Dentist Diagnose TMJ? Absolutely!
A common misconception is that dentists only focus on the teeth. However, they treat the mouth as part of a complete system, including the temporomandibular joint. As such, dentists are authorized to diagnose and treat the condition or refer you to a specialist for further assessment.
Because TMJ disorders stem from jaw and tooth alignment issues, patients are eligible for various dental treatments. For instance, your dentist can recommend splints and other occlusal appliances to correct dentition and restore jaw movement. They could also perform surgical procedures like arthrocentesis, open-joint operation, and arthroscopy.
How Dentists Diagnose TMJ Disorders
Now that you know the role of regular dental check-ups in identifying temporomandibular disorders, let’s understand how a dentist diagnoses TMJ.
The process is simple—after booking a dental appointment to discuss symptoms, the specialist goes ahead to:
- Examine your jaw’s range of motion
- Observe the temporomandibular joint when you close and open your mouth
- Press the areas around the jaw and temporomandibular joint to check for pain points
The dentist may also proceed with the following imaging tests if they suspect a problem:
- X-rays to observe the teeth and jaws
- MRIs to identify any issues with the joint disk and soft tissue
- CT scans to examine the bone joints
Get Help From Seasoned Dentists
Can a dentist diagnose TMJ? Our experts at LeCroy Dental surely can. If you’re experiencing tense jaw pain, chances are you’re among the millions suffering from TMJ disorders. But don’t worry, our specialty lies in treating temporomandibular joint ailments and other dental conditions. Contact us today for personalized dental care for you and your entire family.