TMJ Diagnosis

Houston, Texas

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has a variety of symptoms, many of which closely resemble other conditions. Therefore, diagnosing TMD can be a challenging process. In order to conclusively determine that you are suffering from TMD, Houston TMJ Dentist, Dr. Ronald Konig will conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Before	After
Worn and broken teeth restored by Full Mouth Rejuvenation, the bite and esthetics were corrected. Note the youthfulness and improvement in facial contours created by this treatment

Your TMJ Diagnosis

At your initial examination, Dr. Konig will review your medical history. His evaluation will cover the following:

• Examine your face and jaw for pain and tenderness
• Listen to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for clicking or popping noises when it moves with computerized electro-sonography (ESG)
• Evaluate your bite
• Measure your jaw’s range of motion
• Examine facial muscle functioning
• Examine head and neck posture

After completing this phase of the examination, Dr. Konig may prescribe some films of the face and mouth so that he can make a more accurate assessment of any issues affecting your jaw, TMJ, and teeth. These films are important in ruling out other conditions as the cause of your problem.

Sometimes, Dr. Konig may recommend other tests as well, including:

• Computed Tomography (CT-3D Imaging) scan to view the bones in the joint in greater detail
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to view the soft tissues (discs and muscles) of the joint in greater detail
• Tomography to view cross-sections of the jaw

After TMJ Diagnosis – The Next Step

If Dr. Konig determines that your symptoms are caused by TMD, treatment will be based on the diagnosis.  Most often treatment is based on neuromuscular principles. This is a specialized area of dentistry focused on making sure your jaw is properly aligned.

There are a variety of TMD treatments. Dr. Konig will recommend the appropriate method to address the unique aspects of your condition. Treatments may include:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy to relax your jaw muscles, reduce pain, and help Dr. Konig move your jaw to its optimal resting position
• Orthotics to reposition the jaw to  its correct position (non-surgical)
• Pain medication or muscle relaxants
• Muscle exercises
• Night time mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding
• Neuromuscular oral orthotic worn on the lower teeth to help your jaw remain in the proper position
• Restorative dentistry treatments such as tooth crowns, dental bridges, or braces to move your teeth and jaw into proper alignment after correct position of the jaw is found

Please contact our Houston, Texas TMJ dentist today to schedule your TMJ diagnosis with Dr. Konig.  Helping patients throughout Texas including Houston, Galveston, Sugar Land and Katy.