If you have been dealing with persistent jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds when you chew or even unexplained earaches, you might be wondering if it is time to see a specialist. The culprit could be your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—a small but powerful joint that plays a big role in your everyday comfort. And if you are reading this, chances are you have already taken the most important first step: deciding to do something about it.

So, what actually happens during a TMJ evaluation? We get this question a lot, and we know the unknown can be intimidating. That is why we are here to walk you through what to expect, step by step.

Step 1: A Conversation About Your Symptoms and Health History

Your evaluation begins with a conversation—not a procedure. We will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, how long they have been bothering you and whether they have changed over time. We will also discuss any history of trauma to the jaw or face, past dental work or habits like teeth grinding or nail-biting.

This is your opportunity to share everything that has been affecting your quality of life. Are you waking up with jaw tension? Avoiding certain foods because of pain? Even symptoms you might not think are connected—like ear ringing or frequent headaches—can offer important clues.

Step 2: A Thorough Physical Exam of Your Jaw and Bite

Next, we will perform a hands-on exam. This includes gently feeling your jaw joints and muscles while you open and close your mouth. We will listen for clicks, pops or any irregular movement. We will also assess your bite, how your teeth align and whether there is any visible wear from grinding or clenching.

You might be asked to move your jaw in different directions so we can check its range of motion and identify any discomfort or stiffness. No need to worry—nothing about this exam is invasive or painful. Our goal is simply to understand how your jaw is functioning.

Step 3: Imaging, If Needed

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend imaging to get a more detailed view of what is going on beneath the surface. This could include digital X-rays, a panoramic scan or 3D imaging. These tools help us assess the health of your TMJ, the alignment of your jaw and the condition of your surrounding tissues.

Imaging can also rule out other causes of pain, such as arthritis or joint deterioration, and helps us create a more precise treatment plan.

Step 4: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we have gathered all the information, we will sit down with you to explain what we found and what it means. If TMJ disorder is diagnosed, we will present your treatment options. These may include a custom oral appliance (often worn at night), physical therapy, stress management techniques or orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

Exploring a Wider Range of TMJ Therapies

Other therapeutic solutions supporting healing include:

• Therapeutic injections to reduce inflammation and promote comfort
• Trigger point injections to relax tense muscle areas
• Prolo-therapy to stimulate natural tissue repair
• “Unlocking” procedures for those with restricted jaw mobility
• TENS therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to relieve muscle pain and improve circulation
• Ultrasound treatments to reduce joint stiffness and improve mobility
• Moist heat application for soothing daily relief
• Prescription medication to manage pain or inflammation
• Targeted physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize jaw movement

These advanced therapies are potential options that can work individually or in combination with others to reduce discomfort, improve jaw function and enhance overall well-being.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

We understand that seeking help for TMJ pain can feel overwhelming, especially when the symptoms are chronic. But you do not need to live with discomfort—and you do not have to figure it out alone. Your first visit is just the beginning of a supportive partnership focused on lasting relief.

Ready to take the next step? Contact our office to schedule your TMJ evaluation. We are here to help you feel better—one jaw movement at a time. Call today!