Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Pathway

Get your assessment and tests

To help understand your symptoms, your healthcare provider will need to press and feel your face, your jaw, and around your ears. They will also need to look in your mouth and look at your teeth. They may ask you to bite on a flat stick (tongue depressor).

Your healthcare provider will also measure how much your mouth opens. They may do this by wearing gloves and measuring with their fingers. In adults, the normal mouth opening is about 3 finger widths. If your mouth opens less than 2 finger widths, it may mean you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

In most cases, you will not need more tests unless you need to see a specialist. If you are being referred to a specialist, your healthcare provider may ask you to have an MRI or a CT scan.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction pathway map

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Pathway

Download or print the full patient pathway (PDF) and summary (one-page PDF) to learn more about how to manage and treat TMJ dysfunction.
Patient Pathway Summary

Current as of: February 12, 2024

Author: Provincial Pathways Unit, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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