Thank you all for responding to my question re: my bilateral TMJ ane my questions about the MRI. I do have a scrip for an MRI but I am really worried. I had a panoramic x ray done several months ago and just rested my front teeth on a piece of plastic and it triggered off severe pain in all my front teeth. Now I am concerned about that "bite stick" during the MRI doing the same thing.
New question - I consulted with another TMJ specialist and she recommends a tomogram preceding the MRI. Then she checks out the bite and prepares a custom made "bite stick" (according to the tomogram) for the MRI.
Now - I am puzzled. The MRI facility I called never heard of that.
Re; a tomogram - do I have to open my mouth wide for that?
I barely can open my mouth one quarter of an inch for the past 4 months since the muscle trauma. Pain on both sides is really dreadful to deal with. It aches to talk or even move my jaw the very slightest bit. I am scared to death about surgery.Thanks to all for your responses

Yeah you do - what is she tinking of - unless she is going to request that you don't. Not that you open very wide at all - its barely 1/8" thick - not nearly as thick as a finger - ear plugs are inserted as well to take pictures. I have had a few tomograms done - they are often used during treatment to check for joint position - its similar to a panarex or panoramic xray except that ear plugs and a bite stick is used.

Re; a tomogram - do I have to open my mouth wide for that?


I had my tomogram not too long ago, my mouth was closed the whole time and the scan only took about 36 sec.