What is a Joint Vibration Analysis?
A Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) records vibrations caused by movement of the joints below the ear so Dr. Patel can analyze them. During a JVA, you’ll wear a device that looks like a pair of headphones. This will record the vibrations (not the sounds) of your TMJs as you open and close your mouth. This gives Dr. Patel an indication of what your jaw goes through while it’s in motion (as opposed to something like an x-ray, which only shows one moment in time).

The vibrations should be minimal if the cartilage disc between the joints is in good shape. But in some cases, this wears down, and the bones grind together when you open and close your mouth. The JVA will give Dr. Patel a more objective sense of how much this is occurring.

What happens if my Joint Vibrational Analysis shows TMD?
Depending on what’s going on with your jaw, there are a few different options to help treat TMD. While a JVA may diagnose a TMJ disorder, it still won’t necessarily be clear what’s causing it. That’s why talking to the patient is so crucial.

For example, if you report headaches or jaw pain mainly in the morning, there’s a good chance that teeth-grinding during sleep is at the root of the problem. In this case, appliances such as night guards can help alleviate the pain. Other options include dental procedures, such as bite modifications or even dental restorations.