The diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders can be a very difficult and confusing task.  Presently, there are approximately one-hundred and forty-five different illnesses and diseases that must be considered, and ruled in or ruled out, to make a complete diagnosis.  A very thorough examination is the correct way to begin.

When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a very detailed past medical and dental history.  You will be given the opportunity to list all of the history of your present pain condition, and all of your past medical history.  You will be asked to explain in detail exactly how, where and when you hurt, and to give me any other information that you feel may be helpful.  You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire that has been approved by the American Dental Association for use in the evaluation and diagnosis of TMD.

When all of this information is complete, you and I will sit down in my office and completely review what you have written.  I will ask questions to fill in the details.  I have found over the years, that if I listen first, I can treat better and faster.  This review of history may take from fifteen to forty-five minutes.

Following our initial review of your past history, you will be seated in one of our examination rooms.  Your examination will start with my physical evaluation which will include a thorough examination of the muscles of your head and neck, a cranial nerve screening examination, range of motion studies of your neck and jaw, left and right temporomandibular joint palpations and a complete intraoral (dental) evaluation.  Upon completion of this examination, I will use the information gathered from this initial examination and the history review to order any additional tests and radiographs that are necessary to fill in the gaps and complete the diagnostic picture.  Often, these additional tests can be completed at the same visit, or they can be completed at a subsequent visit if you prefer.  Cindy, in my front office, will be happy to answer any questions concerning the expected cost of this visit, and medical or dental insurance re-imbursement.

As you might expect, it usually takes several days for me to get the radiographs developed and to have time to study all of the diagnostic information that we have gathered on this first (and perhaps second) visit.  At the end of your diagnostic visit(s), you will be given an appointment several days later.  At that time, you and I will again sit down in my office and I will review my findings, discuss the diagnosis and any proposed treatment.  We will answer any questions that you may have, and following your acceptance of the proposed treatment recommendations, we will begin at that time.

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