Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy offers Advanced NABL & NABH-accredited diagnostic centre services for X-ray TM Joints Closed Mouth View. This special kind of X-ray exam examines the temporomandibular (TM) joints where the lower jaw and upper jaw join. Useful when the mouth is closed, for an initial evaluation of the jaw joint and bony abnormalities, and for evaluation of the position and orientation of the mandibular condyles in the closed mouth.

About X-Ray TM Joints Closed Mouth View

Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located in front of the ears, on both sides of the face. These joints help the bones to move when the mouth moves during eating, speaking and opening and closing the mouth. An X-ray TM view is a closed-mouth view of the TMJ taken with the mouth closed. It aids in visualising the condyles of the mandible and how they fit in relation to the adjacent bone structures. The examination may be requested to assess selected bony abnormalities or changes in the position of the temporomandibular joints.

What is X-Ray TM Joints Closed Mouth View?

A small amount of X-ray radiation is used in X-ray imaging, and it can produce images of the bones and joints. Closed-mouth TMJ examination is done when the TMJ is examined with the patient's mouth closed (no open-mouth movement). The images help in the assessment of the position and appearance of the condyles of the mandible and some of the bone structures of the TM joints. Closed-mouth views may be taken in addition to and in conjunction with the open-mouth views, and may be used for comparing the position of the joint during movement as needed for clinical purposes.

Common Reasons for X-Ray TM Joints Closed Mouth View

• Jaw Pain: Assessment of pain around the temporomandibular joints (TMDJ), especially near the ears.
• Assessment of mouth-closed mandibular condyle position; suspected joint misalignment.
• Restricted Jaw Movement: Assessment of problems opening the mouth and/or jaw movement.
• Clicking/ popping sounds: Evaluation of some unusual bony changes with jaw motion.
• The existence of some structural changes at the TM joint - suspected change, degenerative change.
• Assessment of any signs of imbalance in jaw movements: Asymmetrical Jaw Movement.
• Comparisons: Judging the alignment of joints at rest vs. open mouth.
• Pre-Treatment Evaluation: May be requested as a part of the evaluation of a previous diagnosis of TMJ Disorder.

Conditions Evaluated

Mandibular Condyle Position

The closed-mouth view is the closed jaw position for the purposes of demonstrating the position of the mandibular condyles in the closed jaw position. This information may contribute to the evaluation of joint positioning abnormalities.

Temporomandibular Joint Alignment

A closed-mouth view provides information about the position of visible bony structures when the mouth is closed. Assessment of movement generally requires comparison with open-mouth views. Findings help to understand the syndrome when combined with symptoms and clinical examination.

Bony Joint Abnormalities

Selected irregularities, deformities, or other structural changes in the mandibular condyles and associated joint structures can be apparent on the X-rays.

Degenerative Joint Changes

Some of these changes are indicative of degenerative joint disease and will be visible on the closed-mouth view; they may include irregularity of the bone contours, changes to the joint structure, etc.

Joint Positioning at Rest

The examination will provide a snapshot of the TM joints (when teeth are closed). It can be applied, along with the open-mouth views, to approximate some of the differences in condylar position during jaw motion.

Post-Traumatic Changes

In some cases, the exam may be used to evaluate any visible bone damage from a trauma event to the mouth and/or face. If a facial or jaw fracture is suspected, CT is generally more appropriate for detailed assessment of the bony injury. MRI may be considered for selected soft-tissue or joint-disc problems.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL and  NABH Certified Diagnostic Centre with a high-end Advanced Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Pathology Centre. Imaging services focus on correct positioning for radiographic imaging, quality diagnostic images, maintaining patient comfort, and accurate diagnostic reports, enabling doctors and dentists to make diagnoses of conditions in the jaw joint.

Book Your X-Ray TM Joints Closed Mouth View

You can call Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to make appointments to get your joints examined. Bring any previous imaging information (X-rays, MRI) and prescription (if one is available) of your jaw.