Dentist uses Sophisticated Technology to Diagnose TMJ Disorder

Louisville, KY

Do you experience chronic pain in your head, neck, or jaw? Many adults deal with chronic pain daily and chalk it up to getting older or having slept in an awkward position. However, have you ever considered that it could be caused by TMJ disorder? TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorder is often overlooked and underdiagnosed by many practitioners simply because they lack the experience and expertise in head and neck anatomy. However, today on the blog, Drs. Pat Carroll and Deb Shoemaker of Exceptional Dentistry explore the signs of TMJ disorder, and how it causes pain. Plus, learn about the sophisticated technology known as the BioPAK that our doctors use to diagnose the severity of TMJ disorder so that we can provide the best treatment for you.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary from person to person and some individuals experience chronic pain while others describe their pain as intermittent although recurring.

Here are some common signs of TMJ disorder:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing or talking
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Aching pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
• Headaches or migraines
• Earaches or ringing in the ears

How does TMJ disorder cause pain?

TMJ disorder can cause misalignment of the jaw, which can affect your bite, making it difficult to chew and sometimes causing pain or discomfort.

This can lead to:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Uneven wear on the teeth
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Difficulty speaking clearly

As these issues progress, the jaw joints become irritated and there is reduced blood flow, which causes the trigeminal nerve to inflame and lead to pain like toothaches, jaw pain, and chronic headaches.

How is TMJ diagnosed?

To diagnose TMJ disorder, our TMJ dentists in Louisville perform a physical exam of your jaw and ask about your symptoms. They may also take X-rays or MRI scans to get a closer look at the joint and surrounding tissues. But we prefer to also use feedback from the BioPAK system, which performs a joint vibration analysis, jaw tracking, and muscle activity so that we can get a full picture of what’s happening with your jaw and bite.

What is BioPAK?

BioPAK is a diagnostic tool used to assess the function of the jaw and identify any issues that may be causing TMJ disorder. It uses sensors and software to measure the movement of the jaw and provide detailed information about how it is functioning. This can help the dentist develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your bite. BioPAK consists of some wires and sensors that you wear during the diagnostic period. It’s comfortable and painless to undergo a BioPAK analysis, but the results will reveal the answers you’ve been looking for.

TMJ diagnosis in Louisville and Shepherdsville, KY, and Jeffersonville, Indiana

Chronic pain is often undiagnosed and can be secretly caused by TMJ disorder. This is because the symptoms of TMJ disorder can be mistaken for other conditions, such as tension headaches or migraines. If you experience chronic pain in your head, neck, or jaw, it’s important to talk to your dentist or doctor about the possibility of TMJ disorder. If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your head, neck, or jaw, don’t ignore it. Instead, schedule a consultation with Exceptional Dentistry by calling (502) 423-7868.