Self Test
You can perform (3) preliminary self-tests, if you think you have TMD.

Place your little fingers into each ear canal (pad of fingertips forward, nails to the back). Press forward gently while opening your mouth. If you feel creaking, pain or popping, you may be experiencing early signs of TMD.

Sit in front of a mirror while you open your mouth and then slowly close. If the jaw moves to one side when opening or closing, then the joint is not functioning properly.

Open your mouth, and insert one finger, then two, then three. A normal opening is three fingers without pain or force. Opening and closing your mouth should not be accompanied by silent popping, grating, or any joint sounds.

If any of these tests indicate TMD, you should make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Segal.

Diagnosis by Dr. Segal
To positively diagnose TMD, Dr. Segal will request a thorough health history, perform a comprehensive exam, take special x-rays, and perform range-of-motion testing, joint vibration analysis, jaw tracking, and other diagnostics on an as-needed basis.

He will ask you about the duration and intensity of pain, and he may address stress and nutritional issues. This all helps Dr. Segal arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Segal is one of the few dentists in the Delaware Valley with the expertise to diagnose and treat TMJ, and the wide range of technology required to identify head, neck, facial and TMD problems. Each test is used only as needed. These tests might include: joint vibration analysis, electromyography (EMG), tomographic TMD X-ray and special radiographic studies such as Panorex CMT.

Dr. Segal confirms TMD in part with technology like this, which measures vibration caused by movement of the jaw joints.