TMJ MRI

If you’ve been grappling with pain or stiffness around the mouth and jaw (temporomandibular joint), difficulty swallowing or painful clicking or popping when you move your jaw, a TMJ MRI could be the key to understanding and alleviating your symptoms. Our comprehensive guide to a TMJ MRI will equip you with all the information you need about this powerful imaging technique, how the procedure works, and how it can help your doctor assess, diagnose and treat your symptoms more effectively.

What is a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) MRI?

A TMJ MRI (Temporomandibular Joint Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive imaging scan that creates detailed images of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding soft tissues. These joints connect your jawbone (mandibular condyle) to your skull (temporal bone), and when they’re not working correctly, it can cause pain, clicking or difficulty moving your jaw (TMJ disorder). 

TMJ disorders can be caused by one or a combination of several factors:

• teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

• arthritis in the jaw joint

• injury to the jaw bone (for example, a dislocated or broken jaw bone)

• your teeth not fitting together as well as they should (malocclusion)

• stress or anxiety

TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain, poor chewing function because of limited mobility in the jaw, and wear and tear on the teeth, causing dental problems. They can have a huge impact on your quality of life, so it's important to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, an MRI doesn’t use ionising radiation., making it a safe and effective way to diagnose TMJ disorders. It’s particularly useful for examining the articular disc - a small, cushion-like structure in the joint - and other soft tissues like the muscles and ligaments in the jaw.

Why would my doctor recommend a TMJ MRI?

TMJ symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they often involve pain or discomfort in and around the jaw, face, and even other parts of the body. Your doctor may recommend a TMJ MRI if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Jaw pain: Aching or tenderness in the jaw joint, especially when chewing or speaking.

• Facial pain: Discomfort that spreads across the cheeks, temples, or around the eyes.

• Shoulder or neck pain: Tension or soreness that radiates from the jaw to the neck and shoulders.

• Stiffness in your jaw: Difficulty moving the jaw, often accompanied by a feeling of tightness.

• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth: Limited range of motion, making it hard to eat, yawn, or speak comfortably.

• Jaw popping or clicking: A clicking, popping, or grinding sound when moving your jaw, which may or may not be painful.

• Headaches or migraines: Frequent tension headaches or migraines that seem linked to jaw movement or clenching.

• Earaches: Pain or pressure in the ears, often mistaken for an ear infection.

• Toothache: Unexplained tooth pain, even when dental issues have been ruled out.

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): A persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in one or both ears.

• Changes in your bite: A feeling that your teeth don’t fit together correctly anymore (malocclusion).

Your doctor may want to take a careful look at the joint and surrounding soft tissues using MRI, helping to pinpoint the reason for your discomfort and guide your treatment.

What an MRI of the Jaw Can Diagnose

A TMJ MRI is a powerful tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Here’s what it can help diagnose:

TMJ Disc Displacement

One of the most common issues a TMJ MRI can detect is disc displacement. This occurs when the fibrous articular disc slips out of its usual position between the mandibular condyle (the rounded end of your jawbone) and the glenoid fossa (the socket in your skull). A TMJ MRI can clearly show the disc’s position, helping your doctor decide on the best course of treatment.

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

A TMJ MRI is highly effective at diagnosing arthritis in the joint, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can pick up on signs of arthritis, such as swelling of the bone marrow, damaged or degraded cartilage and any thickening in the lining of the joint (synovial membrane).

Joint Effusion (Fluid Buildup)

Fluid accumulation in the joint, known as joint effusion, is a sign of inflammation or infection. MRI can detect this fluid buildup, helping your doctor identify the underlying cause and recommend the right treatment, such as anti-inflammatory medication or physical therapy. 

Bone Abnormalities (Degeneration, Condylar Resorption)

MRI can reveal degenerative changes in the bones of the TMJ, such as condylar resorption (loss of bone in the jaw joint). These changes are often linked to chronic TMJ dysfunction, so you may need specialised treatment to restore function and reduce pain, such as surgery.

Muscle or Soft Tissue Disorders

The soft tissues around the TMJ, including muscles like the lateral pterygoid, can also be affected by TMJ disorders. An MRI can provide detailed images of these structures, helping your doctor diagnose conditions such as myofascial pain (muscle pain) and other soft tissue disorders.  

TMJ Inflammation (Synovitis, Capsulitis)

Using MRI, your doctor can see clear signs of inflammatory conditions affecting the jawbone, such as inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis)  and inflammation of the joint capsule (capsulitis). These conditions often cause pain and stiffness.

Fibrosis or Scar Tissue Formation

Scar tissue or fibrosis around the TMJ can limit mobility in the joint and cause pain and discomfort. MRI can detect these changes.

Tumours or Cysts in the TMJ Area

Although rare, tumours or cysts can develop in and around the TMJ. MRI is essential for identifying these growths, such as synovial cysts, as they can help your doctor determine whether they are benign or need further investigation.

Joint Hyperlaxity or Hypermobility

If you have an overly loose or hypermobile TMJ, it can lead to instability and discomfort. MRI can help your doctor work out the degree of joint laxity and guide your treatment to stabilise the joint and improve function.  

Fractures

If you’ve had a trauma or injury to the joint, an MRI can help identify any fractures in the TMJ region, as well as any soft tissue damage. 

How does a TMJ MRI work?

A TMJ MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. The machine generates a magnetic field that aligns the water molecules in your body’s tissues. Radio waves disrupt this alignment, and as the water molecules return to their original state, they give off signals that are captured by the MRI machine to create high-resolution images.

What Are the Benefits of a TMJ MRI?

• MRI is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure.

• Unlike X-rays or CT scans that use ionising radiation, MRI uses magnetic fields that are safer for repeated use.

• MRI offers detailed soft tissue imaging that other imaging methods can’t capture as clearly.

• MRI can show how the joint functions when you move your jaw, giving your doctor clear insights into conditions such as disc displacement or joint hypermobility.

• MRI helps your doctor identify a wide range of TMJ disorders, from arthritis to tumours, guiding effective treatment that’s right for you.

What Are the Risks & Side Effects?

While TMJ MRI is generally safe, there are a few risks and side effects to be aware of, including:

• If you have metal implants, such as a pacemaker, you may not be able to have an MRI. Always let your radiologist know about any metal in your body.

• Some people feel anxious or claustrophobic inside the MRI tube. Let your radiologist know if you feel uneasy, as they may be able to offer you sedation. 

• If your radiologist uses a contrast dye, there’s a small risk of an allergic reaction. Let them know if you have any allergies or kidney problems.

• The MRI machine can be loud, but earplugs or headphones are usually provided to minimise this.

How Should I Prepare for a TMJ MRI?

Tell your doctor about any allergies, medications, or conditions like pregnancy. If contrast is used, you may need to fast for a few hours before the scan, but your clinician will inform you beforehand. 

What Should I Expect During a TMJ MRI?

Remove Metal Objects

Before the scan, you’ll need to remove all metal objects, including jewellery, watches, and hairpins. These can interfere with the MRI’s magnetic field.

Change Into a Gown (If Required)

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure no metal zippers or buttons interfere with the scan.

Positioning on the MRI Table

You’ll lie on your back on the MRI table, and your radiologist may place a special head coil around your jaw to improve image quality. The table will then slide into the MRI machine.

Contrast Dye Injection (If Needed)

If contrast dye is required, your radiologist will inject it into a vein in your arm. This helps highlight specific structures, like inflamed tissues or tumours.

MRI Scanning Process

The scan itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll need to stay still to ensure clear images. The machine will make loud knocking noises, but earplugs or headphones will be provided.

Following Jaw Movement Instructions (If Required)

Sometimes, your radiologist may ask you to open and close your mouth during the scan to help them assess the joint’s movement and function.

How Will My Radiologist Review and Report the Images?

After the scan, your radiologist will analyse the images and prepare a detailed report for your doctor, outlining any abnormalities, such as disc displacement, arthritis, or inflammation.

How and When Will I Get My Results?

Once your TMJ MRI is complete, getting the results typically takes a few days, depending on the facility. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you, explain any findings and recommend a treatment plan.

If the MRI reveals issues like disc displacement, arthritis, or inflammation, your doctor may suggest treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or, in rare cases, surgery. Early diagnosis through a TMJ MRI can help prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.

What Are the Costs of a TMJ MRI in the UK?

A temporomandibular joint MRI for the right or the left joint can cost anywhere between £250 and £490, depending on where you live in the UK. With Scan.com, there is a 2-part discount if you get both joints scanned.

How Can I Get a TMJ MRI?

If you have symptoms that a problem with the TMJ may cause, you can book a private MRI scan today. If you’re unsure whether an MRI is suitable for you, one of our expert clinicians is available for a personalised consultation. They can discuss your symptoms and concerns and help you decide what to do next.

FAQs

How Long Does a Jaw MRI Take?

The scan takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether your radiologist uses contrast dye. Staying still is crucial for accurate results and can help cut down the time spent in the MRI tube.

What Does a TMJ MRI Show?

A TJ MRI (temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging)provides a detailed view of the jaw's soft tissues, bones, and joint structures. It can reveal disc displacement, arthritis, joint inflammation and fluid buildup, tumours, injuries and other abnormalities affecting the TMJ and surrounding structures.

Sources:

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Mansour, M., et al. (2023). Correlation between TMJ pain and MRI findings. https://omx.journals.ekb.eg/article_315086.html

Talmaceanu, D., et al. (2018). Imaging modalities for temporomandibular joint disorders: an update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6082607/

Tamimi, D., et al. (20196). Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0037198X19300173

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