MRI TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS

What is an MRI Temporomandibular Joints scan?

An MRI Temporomandibular Joints study is a non-invasive test that creates ultra-clear 3D pictures of the jaw joint (TMJ), surrounding soft-tissues, disc, and bone. It shows how the disc moves when you open and close your mouth—helping doctors detect early arthritis, disc slippage, or inflammation.

Why choose Cadabams Diagnostics for TMJ MRI?

• 3-Tesla magnet for sub-millimetre resolution
• Quiet, wide-bore scanner lowers claustrophobia
• Dynamic sequences that image jaw motion
• Reports within 2 hours; urgent scans on request
• Direct online booking and dedicated TMJ protocols designed by senior radiologists

• Disc position (normal, anterior, posterior)
• Disc morphology (biconcave, deformed, perforated)
• Condylar head integrity (erosion, osteophytes)
• Joint effusion & synovial inflammation
• Surrounding muscles (masseter, temporalis) for fatty atrophy

• Confirm internal derangement with or without reduction
• Detect early TMJ osteoarthritis before bone loss is visible on X-ray
• Identify inflammatory arthritides (rheumatoid, gout, psoriasis)
• Plan orthodontic surgery, arthrocentesis, or prosthetic joint placement

Benefits of the MRI Temporomandibular Joint Scan

• High-resolution soft-tissue detail—see discs, ligaments, cartilage
• Early detection prevents irreversible joint damage
• Objective images guide targeted therapy: splints, physiotherapy, injections
• No radiation allows follow-ups in growing children

Conditions Diagnosed during MRI Temporomandibular Joint Test

1. Disc displacement with/without reduction
2. TMJ osteoarthritis & subchondral cysts
3. Rheumatoid & psoriatic arthritis
4. Synovial chondromatosis
5. Avascular necrosis of condyle
6. Tumours (synovial sarcoma, chondroblastoma)—rare

• Remove jewellery, hearing aids, hairpins
• Wear cotton gown; no special fasting needed
• Inform staff about tattoos, permanent eyeliner, copper IUDs
• Bring implant card for clips, plates, or prosthetics

Pre-requisites

• Written referral from ENT, dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon
• Earlier X-ray, CT, or MRI films (CD or cloud link) for comparison

Best Time to Take the MRI Temporomandibular Joints

• Morning slots help claustrophobic patients feel fresh
• Same-day urgent scans available for trauma or medico-legal cases
• Menstruation does not affect imaging; pregnancy—consult radiologist first

Eligibility

• Adults and cooperative children ≥ 5 years (younger kids may need sedation)
• Pregnant patients: MRI is safe, yet first-trimester scans require risk-benefit review

Procedure for Taking an MRI Temporomandibular Joints

1. Check-in & safety screening (5 min)
2. Change into gown, store valuables in secure locker
3. Lie supine; technologist places TMJ coil over both sides
4. 20–30 min scan: you’ll hear knocking sounds; keep still
5. Immediate preliminary report; final signed report within 2 hours

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Notify staff about coloured tattoos that may heat up
• Inform if you wear insulin pump or neuro-stimulator
• Sedation options: oral benzodiazepine or IV short-acting anaesthetic; arrange an escort home