No treatment should begin until a proper diagnosis has been established. There are three common diagnoses:
MYALGIA- MUSCLE PAIN: Another term for this is Myofascial pain. It involves the muscles that move the jaw , and may extend to the neck and shoulder muscles. This is the most common category of TMD.
INTERNAL DERANGEMENT: The disc in the TM joint is out of position. This may cause clicking or locking. Associated with this may be synovitis or inflammation of the joint.
ARTHRITIS: The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. This is caused by a loss of cushioning of the joint. Less common is rheumatoid arthritis.
In order to “see” into the TM joint several types of images are available, to assist making a diagnosis.
PANORAMIC X –RAY: This shows the basic bone structure.
C-T SCAN: This is a computer assisted x-ray which is very accurate in viewing the bones.
MRI: This is the gold standard for visualizing the disc and can show fluid in the joint.
BONE SCAN: This test can show bones which are actively growing.
