Self-Testing for TMJ

Wondering if your symptoms might be related to TMJ disorder? Many people live with jaw pain, headaches, or ear problems for years without realizing the connection. Take our quick self-test below, then let Dr. Patel and the team at Suburban TMJ & Sleep Center give you the answers you deserve.

Could TMJ Be Causing Your Symptoms?

TMJ disorder is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, because its symptoms overlap with sinus, ear, and even neurological issues. If you’ve been told your discomfort is “normal” or have struggled to find relief, this self-test can help you decide if it’s time to schedule a consultation.

TMJ Self-test

Answer the questions below. If you say “yes” to two or more, your symptoms could be related to TMJ disorder.

Do you have frequent headaches?

Do your ears feel clogged or full of pressure?

Do you hear grating, clicking, or popping sounds when you chew or move your jaw?

Do you clench or grind your teeth, especially at night or during stress?

Do you feel pain in your jaw during or after chewing?

Does it hurt to move your jaw side to side?

Has your jaw ever locked or gotten stuck open or closed?

Do your facial muscles feel sore or tender?

Do your teeth ache without an obvious dental cause?

Do chewy foods make your symptoms worse?

Does your jaw shift to one side when you open wide?

Do you struggle to eat larger foods, like a sandwich, without pain?

Have you had jaw trauma or whiplash in the past?

What to do next

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, your symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorder. The good news? Relief is possible. At Suburban TMJ & Sleep Center, Dr. Patel combines advanced diagnostic technology with non-surgical therapies to help you get your life back and live pain-free.

"He's a guru and he is just excellent in the field. He's the best in the field.The staff, they all cared, they all understood, they all listened, and they heard me. And I finally felt somebody gets it, I'm very happy."

Dr. Flessor

"Dr. Patel is my angel. That's the way I look at it."

Von

"I didn't have the same level of fatigue. I had high energy."

Mark

"It's heaven. Like not waking up with those headaches."

Jessica

"The one thing he did that made me feel better than anything else is that he said, 'I can fix it'."

Regina

"I was diagnosed with TMJ a few years ago by my ENT. It recently began to get worse and I was experiencing headaches, jaw pain, and ear pain. After being seen by Dr. Patel and wearing my appliance, in just 2 weeks I already felt a huge difference!"

Morgan M.

"After 1 year of severe Pain and Dizziness I was referred to Dr Patel. He examined me and told me I would need to wear an Orthotic to ease the pain and get rid of dizziness. After 2 months I was amazed at how good I was feeling. No more pain in Ear and Jaw and most important to me was the horrible dizziness went from a 10 to a 2. I'm so happy I came to Dr Patel and cant wait to be completely healed."

Nancy W.

"My jaw was locking at least once a week, and I had to take Ativan to unlock it. After one month of wearing Dr. Patel's appliance I have had no issues or pain with locking. My quality of life has increased so much as I am pain free, and my life doesn't revolve around my jaw locking! I wish I had come here sooner!"

Jess V.

"Through this treatment my jaw pain has gone away. If I forget to wear it one night I can feel the difference the next morning. It has certainly made a difference in my life."

Shana B.

"Its still early days, as I’ve only been wearing the appliance for one week, but I notice a significant decline in episodes of dizziness. I’m very grateful to see this and hope it continues! Thank you!"

Linda P.

"I am amazed and shocked at how much better my sleep has improved. All due to an oral appliance by Dr. Patel and his wonderful staff. I have not felt this good in years due to my sleep apnea. I did the Inspire Surgery, it didn't help. Finally, I found Dr. Patel & my life has completely changed. Thank you Dr. Patel & staff! You guys are amazing!"

Molly A.

"Very grateful to Dr. Patel and his incredible staff for my treatment these past 4 months. TMJ pain is so debilitating - impacting days and nights... The impact that Dr. Patel and his staff has been life-changing! My next mission is to get the insurance industry to recognize TMJ pain as a REAL issue and not get swept under the rug and not covered - Thank you to Suburban TMJ & Sleep Center!"

Jane H.

"About a year ago I came to Dr. Patel with my TMJ issue. The team was very kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Dr. Patel was clear and resourceful. In the first few weeks my symptoms started to subside. I am now to the point where I rarely feel my jaw pop, and the lockjaw is completely gone. This has been one of the best investments in my physical health that I have made."

Genesis C.

"After suffering with Chronic Pain for years, I have finally found relief thanks to Dr. Patel. I have my life, but most importantly, my sanity, back. To get instant relief once my appliance was fit almost brought tears to my eyes and made everything worth while. I would highly recommend others, and have already, to get a consultation with Dr. Patel to even just get answers and the peace of mind that you are not crazy and pain is not normal. Very satisfied and looking forward to more progress as my care continues."

Ann M.

"I came in to the office with a pain that I didn't think was able to go away. I started to get used to my jaw pain and limited range of motion. However within just one week of wearing my appliance, my symptoms cut in almost half! I experienced a relief that I didn't know was possible. I am a college student and deal with a ton of stress, but knowing that my jaw pain is one less thing to worry about is all props to Dr. Patel + the staff. I'm excited to see my results going forward!"

Emily D.