Panoramic x-rays back... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

CherylLynn24 · 04-21-2003, 04:39 PM

Hi All,

Got the results of the panoramic x-rays back. They seem to be fine, other than impacted 3rd molars, which we've known about. The orofacial surgeon we saw a few months back said they're fine staying there, (they're not that bad) until he's older. He also said they wouldn't cause tmj symptoms. Now, if these suckers are really pushing on the 2nd molars pretty good, I'm wondering if this could throw his bite off. He's got overcrowding on the bottom, unfortunately. Any ideas? He's got 3 straight MRI's on Wednesday: head, neck and tmj's. Hopefully we'll know more then.

Cheryl

[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]

HRevero · 04-21-2003, 04:49 PM

Hey Cheryl,
Did the x - rays hurt when they were doing it to him? I finally got a prescription for my x- rays and I am a little nervous. Can you also tell me what they actually show. What questions did you ask the doctor when you got the results back. And one more thing, how in the world do you get them to okay an mri? Sorry about all the questions I've been having a lot of struggles over on this end. I feel like I have been pulling teeth. (ouch that joke made me cringe.)
Heather

CherylLynn24 · 04-21-2003, 04:59 PM

Heather,

He said that it was sort of uncomfortable. They had him position his head looking up to the heavens, and I'm not sure whether his mouth was slightly open or not, but he did say his neck and jaws were uncomfortable. From what I understand, these x-rays focus on the lower mandible and I believe the joints can be seen. The doc wants an additional MRI of the joints, apparently certain areas of the joints can't be seen. As for getting a doc to do this, the specialists didn't want to bother, so I went to his general doc, fortunately, he believes there is a problem, and set us up. Hope this helps.

Cheryl

[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]

HRevero · 04-21-2003, 06:00 PM

Oh Cheryl, thank you for the input! It did not dawn on me to go to my general for an mri. I have been going about this all wrong. I keep going to specialists and dentists, and nobody wants to refer me. Does the x- rays show the disks? Because Shelly really got me interested in making sure my disks were in the right place. Since my husband Micaiah and I decided to try to have kids, the doctor told me that any dental work needs to be done befor I get pregnant or after, but not during. I really don't want to wait that long to get these tests done.
Heather

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Marlene · 04-21-2003, 06:52 PM

Panoramic X-rays help determine if there are growths or problems within the teeth, sinuses, etc. They are not useful in determining actual damage in the joint. However, some doctors will use them as an inital x-ray.

Marlene