X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.

Understanding X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth

What is X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. These joints allow jaw movements. X-Ray TM Joint - Open Mouth helps diagnose any jaw dislocation/injury at the TMJ site or the related muscles. Medically, if you have symptoms like pain in the ear, face, jaw, or mouth, or difficulty in chewing, then your doctor may advise this test.

The X-ray produces a black and white image using an x-ray machine to assess the TMJ and related areas. A radiologist will assess the images and send a report to your doctor, who will decide your future course of treatment. It is a safe and painless procedure. The advantages are that it produces little to no radiation and is completed within 15 minutes.

What is X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth used for?

To diagnose any suspected injury or fracture of the temporomandibular (TM) joint
To diagnose any suspected jaw dislocation
To diagnose the cause of temporomandibular disorders which could be due to some problems of the muscles of the TM joint or because of the joint itself

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Temporo-Mendibular (TM Joint) - Open Mouth

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.