If you experience pain or stiffness in your jaw, you might be dealing with TMJ. The good news is, there are some great TMJ tests you can do at home.
If you’ve ever felt a nagging pain in your jaw, you could be dealing with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. However, it can be hard to tell.
We’ll go over three methods of TMJ tests that are simple and effective, as well as discuss some of the high-tech imaging options that are used to diagnose you with TMJ disorder.
Touch
How do I know if I have TMJ? We often start our TMJ examination with a hands-on approach. One popular method is the “3 finger test”. Here’s how it works:
- Place your pointer finger on the joint in front of your ear.
- Put your middle finger on your chin.
- Rest your ring finger on the joint on the other side of your face.
Now, open slightly and then wider until you can feel the joint move. If you feel a click, or even if it’s tender when you gently press on it, you could have a TMJ disorder. But don’t jump to conclusions just yet — this test is just a starting point. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to talk to us at Raleigh TMJ & Sleep.
We use a similar approach during examinations. We will gently press on areas around your jaw to identify pain sites or discomfort. They’ll also observe the range of motion in your jaw and listen for any unusual sounds.
Hear
There are some unusual sounds associated with TMJ disorders. You might hear clicking, popping, or even a grating sound when you open or close your mouth. These sounds happen when the disk inside the joint is out of place or when the joint surfaces aren’t sliding smoothly.
Here’s the thing — not all jaw sounds mean you have a TMJ disorder. Some people’s jaws naturally make noise. It only becomes a concern if it’s accompanied by pain or limited jaw movement.
During a professional exam, we will listen carefully to your jaw as you open and close your mouth. They’re trained to distinguish between normal jaw sounds and those that might indicate a problem.
Look
Seeing is believing when it comes to TMJ disorders. Sometimes, you can actually see signs of a problem just by watching someone open their mouth. When you open your jaw, it should move smoothly in a straight line. When you have a TMJ issue, your jaw might deviate to one side or make a zigzag pattern as it opens.
You can check this out yourself in a mirror. Open your mouth slowly and watch how your jaw moves. If it’s not moving straight, come see us at Raleigh TMJ & Sleep.
Doctors and dentists are professionals who can diagnose TMJ. When you get a professional examination, we will carefully observe your jaw’s movements, your TMJ symptoms, and look for any irregularities that might indicate a TMJ disorder.
How to Test For TMJ: What are Methods of Imaging for TMJ?
Sometimes the hands on approach just isn’t enough — that’s when we turn to imaging. There are several imaging methods we might use to get a better look at what’s going on inside your jaw.
X-rays are often the first choice when it comes to imaging. They can show the bones involved in the joint and check for things like arthritis or fractures, but they’re not great at showing soft tissue problems.
CT scans take things up a notch, as they provide 3D images of the bones in the joint. MRI for TMJ is even better because it can show problems with the joint’s disk or surrounding soft tissue.
In some cases, we might even use something called TMJ arthroscopy as a TMJ test. It’s like keyhole surgery, where we insert a tiny camera into the joint to look around. While that’s fine, it’s also invasive, so it’s only used when the other methods aren’t giving a clear answer.
Final Thoughts
While a TMJ test isn’t super difficult, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. These simple tests — touch, hear, and look — can give you a good starting point, but they aren’t a substitute for medical advice.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, limited movement, or strange noises when you open and close your mouth, it’s a good idea to see us at Raleigh TMJ & Sleep for a TMJ evaluation, as we have the necessary skills and tools to properly diagnose and treat TMJ disorders.
Learn more about diagnosing and treating TMJ.
