Jaw pain, clicking, and headaches can be unsettling. On top of not knowing the exact cause, being unfamiliar with what a visit involves can make it easier to procrastinate scheduling an evaluation. But it shouldn’t! A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation is a straightforward, typically comfortable process. Knowing the steps involved can put your mind at ease.
A TMJ evaluation in Chesterfield, MO, typically includes a conversation about your symptoms, a hands-on TMJ examination of your jaw movement and tenderness, an assessment of bite alignment and grinding and clenching (bruxism), and a discussion of next steps.
The Initial Consultation and Symptom History
Your visit begins with a conversation. Dr. Scott Mahlin will gather details about your jaw discomfort, including when it started, where you feel it, severity, and what makes it better or worse. Expect questions about headaches, earaches, clicking or popping, trouble opening wide or chewing, and habits (like clenching or chewing gum), and your dental and medical history.
All this information gives us helpful clues about whether you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder.
How the Jaw and Teeth Are Examined
Next comes a hands-on examination. Your dentist watches how your jaw opens and closes, checks your range of motion, gently presses on the jaw muscles and joints to find tender spots, and listens or feels for clicking, popping, or grinding. To assess grinding and clenching, they will also look for flattened, chipped, or worn teeth, fractures, and signs of strain in the surrounding muscles.
What Happens After the Evaluation
Once the exam is complete, the findings help guide next steps. A definitive cause for TMJ trouble can be hard to identify, so your dentist will explain what they found and what it may mean. Treatment depends on severity and may include:
- A custom night guard to relax the joints and protect teeth
- A temporary soft-food diet
- Joint exercises
- Referral for further care
The best way to find out what is behind your jaw symptoms is a thorough TMJ evaluation.
TMJ Evaluation and Treatment in Chesterfield, MO
If you’re in Chesterfield and want to learn more about the possible causes and treatments for TMJ and jaw pain, contact Dr. Scott Mahlin and the excellent Clarkson Dental Group team to schedule an evaluation.