X-ray of the temporomandibular joints, mouth open and mouth closed
X-ray of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in Casablanca
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ), just in front of the ears, connect the lower jaw to the skull. This low-dose X-ray examines them on both sides, with the mouth closed and then open, and mainly shows the bones of the joint and how they move. It is often requested by a dentist, an orthodontist or a doctor for jaw pain or jaw noises. The soft parts of the joint, on the other hand, require other exams.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Planmeca
When is this exam needed?
- Pain in front of the ear or when chewing.
- Clicking, snapping or locking of the jaw.
- Limited mouth opening.
- Check after a blow to the chin or jaw.
- Looking for wear of the joint (osteoarthritis).
- Assessment requested by the orthodontist before or during treatment.
How the exam is done
You remove earrings, piercings, glasses, hearing aids and removable dentures. Sitting or standing, with your head held in place, you first keep your teeth clenched, then open your mouth wide for the second image, sometimes with a small block.
The same is then done on the other side. Opening wide can be uncomfortable, but it is not painful. For each image, you simply hold the position for a few seconds without moving. If your mouth opening is limited, just open as far as you can: the team takes this into account, without forcing the jaw. The images are checked on screen before you leave.
Preparation
- Come without earrings or metal hair clips.
- Note when your jaw clicks, locks or hurts: these details help in reading the images.
Fasting
You can eat and drink normally.
Contrast injection
No injection is given for this X-ray.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: inform the team before the images are taken.
- Locked or very painful jaw: let us know, the mouth opening will be adapted.
- Hearing aids, piercings and earrings: to be removed, as they overlap the joints on the image.
- Surgery or a prosthesis of a jaw joint: please mention it before the exam.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the dentist, orthodontist or doctor
- Previous X-rays, CT scan or MRI of the TMJ
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What do “BO” and “BF” mean on the prescription?
They are the abbreviations for bouche ouverte (mouth open) and bouche fermée (mouth closed). The two positions make it possible to compare the position of the joint at rest and in motion.
Does this X-ray show the disc?
No. The disc, a small flexible plate between the bones, does not show up on X-rays. If it needs to be examined, your doctor may request an MRI of the TMJ.
Why examine both sides?
The two joints work together. Comparing them helps detect an asymmetry, even when the pain affects only one side.
Are the X-rays dangerous in this case?
The dose is low and limited to the area of the joints. A protective apron may be offered depending on the exam; tell us about any pregnancy.
After a blow, can this exam be done quickly?
Yes, the X-ray can be done urgently during opening hours. Call the center before coming and describe the blow you received.