The diagnosis of TMJ first involves taking a careful oral history. The TMJ dentist determines if this patient has the signs and symptoms of the disorder. They are tenderness and pain in the jaw joints, ear ache and decreased hearing, ringing in the ears, vertigo or dizziness, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), clicking and popping noises, lock jaw, dental hot and cold sensitivity, difficulty swallowing, cervical problems, migraines and more. If so, there is a very high probability that this patient does have a temporomandibular joint dysfunction problem.

          After the oral history, the next step in the diagnosis of TMJ is to palpate the jaw joints to determine if they are tender and to listen and feel for unusual noises. The patient is asked to open and close to see if there is mandibular deviation or other abnormalities. The jaw muscles are then palpated to see if they are tender or abnormally hard from overuse.

          The final step is the diagnosis of TMJ is an intraoral and radiographic examination inspecting for bone bumps ( exostosii and torii ). These patients often have multiple root canals as a result of teeth dying from the constant tooth grinding pressure. Wear facets on the tops of the teeth and notches on the roots of the teeth near the gum lines are common.

          Dr. Padolsky is experienced in the diagnosis of TMJ and has been treating TMJ patients since 1982. He and the dentists of the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients good health and well being. You are welcome to join their family of patients. Dr. Padolsky, our TMJ doctor, is passionate about finding the cause of TMJ problems in every one of his patients. If you would like to schedule a consultation with him, call 404-874-7428 to make your appointment.