TMJ Treatment Exam UPDATED
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
special questions TMJ - CORRECT ANSWER pain with open/close, pain during
eating, 24 hr pattern, lock/click, grind teeth, headache, neck pain, ear, tooth ache, temp
sensitivity, diff swallow/voice change, recent dental work, dentist following
locking or clicking most associated with ? - CORRECT ANSWER disc dysfunction
bruxism = ? - CORRECT ANSWER grinding teeth at night
why ask about recent dental work - CORRECT ANSWER sustained open position
irritating, filling cavity could throw off alignment jaw
prefer to chew food on left side what side is issue most likely - CORRECT
ANSWER left (food- gapping - decreases pain vs compress other side)
bruxism differential diagnosis ? why? what to check - CORRECT ANSWER arthritis-
pain in morning, how quickly resolves
red flags TMJ - 2 - CORRECT ANSWER infection, fracture
TMJ red flags: infection - 2 signs - CORRECT ANSWER inability to open, recent
surgery
TMJ red flags: fracture - 2 signs - CORRECT ANSWER ecchymosis, significant pain
with clenching
, see abscess what to ask? when to refer - CORRECT ANSWER how long has it been
there, >2 weeks should go to dentist, ER if constitutional symptoms
nondraining or draining abscess more concerning - CORRECT ANSWER non-
draining- not clearing out
why is it especially important to keep close eye on infections - CORRECT
ANSWER close to brain, dont want it to spread
suspect fracture, what to check? what to do if you see it - CORRECT ANSWER under
tongue for pooling blood, send to ER
what is included in TMJ exam - 8 - CORRECT ANSWER oral health screen,
observation, arom, palpation, neuro, strength, special tests, joint play
oral health influenced by - 6 - CORRECT ANSWER access to preventative dental care,
diet, systemic disease, brushing habits/fluoride, medication SE, tobacco/alcohol/drug use
equipment for proper oral exam - 4
1 optional - CORRECT ANSWER good light source, gloves/mask, tongue blade,
gauze,
mouth mirror
oral health screening components
observe - 5 - CORRECT ANSWER face/lips, gums/teeth, soft and hard palate, borders
and under tongue, posterior pharynx
oral health screen
palpate - 2 - CORRECT ANSWER neck, floor of mouth
what might be an early sign of periodontal disease
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
special questions TMJ - CORRECT ANSWER pain with open/close, pain during
eating, 24 hr pattern, lock/click, grind teeth, headache, neck pain, ear, tooth ache, temp
sensitivity, diff swallow/voice change, recent dental work, dentist following
locking or clicking most associated with ? - CORRECT ANSWER disc dysfunction
bruxism = ? - CORRECT ANSWER grinding teeth at night
why ask about recent dental work - CORRECT ANSWER sustained open position
irritating, filling cavity could throw off alignment jaw
prefer to chew food on left side what side is issue most likely - CORRECT
ANSWER left (food- gapping - decreases pain vs compress other side)
bruxism differential diagnosis ? why? what to check - CORRECT ANSWER arthritis-
pain in morning, how quickly resolves
red flags TMJ - 2 - CORRECT ANSWER infection, fracture
TMJ red flags: infection - 2 signs - CORRECT ANSWER inability to open, recent
surgery
TMJ red flags: fracture - 2 signs - CORRECT ANSWER ecchymosis, significant pain
with clenching
, see abscess what to ask? when to refer - CORRECT ANSWER how long has it been
there, >2 weeks should go to dentist, ER if constitutional symptoms
nondraining or draining abscess more concerning - CORRECT ANSWER non-
draining- not clearing out
why is it especially important to keep close eye on infections - CORRECT
ANSWER close to brain, dont want it to spread
suspect fracture, what to check? what to do if you see it - CORRECT ANSWER under
tongue for pooling blood, send to ER
what is included in TMJ exam - 8 - CORRECT ANSWER oral health screen,
observation, arom, palpation, neuro, strength, special tests, joint play
oral health influenced by - 6 - CORRECT ANSWER access to preventative dental care,
diet, systemic disease, brushing habits/fluoride, medication SE, tobacco/alcohol/drug use
equipment for proper oral exam - 4
1 optional - CORRECT ANSWER good light source, gloves/mask, tongue blade,
gauze,
mouth mirror
oral health screening components
observe - 5 - CORRECT ANSWER face/lips, gums/teeth, soft and hard palate, borders
and under tongue, posterior pharynx
oral health screen
palpate - 2 - CORRECT ANSWER neck, floor of mouth
what might be an early sign of periodontal disease
