TMJ / Neuromuscular Dentistry - How to Diagnose
Smile Makeover Specialist
In Collierville and Memphis, Tennessee
If you would like to contact Dr. Ettienne van Zyl to ask a question or schedule an appointment visit our convenient contact form.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is one of the most difficult common condition to diagnose because so many of the Symptoms of TMD masquerade as other illnesses. If you have been diagnosed with migraines, pinched nerves, or other conditions, but the treatments do not seem to help, it is possible that you have TMD. Consult with a trained neuromuscular dentist, who will perform a full battery of diagnostic tests.
There are five main diagnostic techniques, but not all are necessary in all cases.
Postural examination
Because the posture affects the relations of the jaw to the cranium, evaluation of the posture can often lead to clues about whether TMD is present or not. For TMD related to posture massage, chiropractic care, or physical therapy may be recommended.
Craniocervical Examination
This is an evaluation of the planes of the skull and motion of the head, which can reveal if the jaw is out of place.
Limited Neurological Examination
TMD can be caused by nerve or brain damage, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to diagnose TMD related to neurological damage.
TMD Examination
In this exam, the doctor utilizes special diagnostic equipment, including the K7 evaluation system that tracks the movement of the jaw using computerized mandibular scanning, electromyography, and sonography to determine whether your jaw is misaligned or not. To learn more about the K7 system, consult our Technology page.
Muscle Palpation
This detailed physical exam checks for tenderness and inflammation in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Once you have been diagnosed with TMD, Dr. van Zyl will work to immediately relieve your symptoms using one or more of the advanced technology options for TMD Treatment.
To learn more about TMD, consult our TMD Questions page, then please contact Dr. van Zyl to set up an initial consultation.
