How do I go about getting an MRI? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

tatumtatum · 05-17-2009, 09:16 AM

I've been having chronic pain now for 5 months straight. I went to an oral surgeon to see if they could do something. They did one of those circular x-ray things, and he said it didn't show anything in my jaw that surgery could fix. He said I have a muscle problem, not a joint problem, and told me to relieve my stress and then sent me on my way.

I've been hearing though, that some things can't be seen by a normal x-ray, and that it might take an MRI to see what's really happeneing in my joints.

So now I don't know what to do. Should I try to set up an appt to get an MRI myself and then bring the results to an oral surgeon? Can one even do that? Or do I demand from an oral surgeon to send me for an MRI?

Don't know how to proceed.

Thanks.

Thelma-Louise · 05-17-2009, 10:11 AM

I am not sure how you go about getting an MRI done on your own without a drs prescription, regardless of whether you pay for it or it is covered by your insurance. How would you know what to ask for -with contrast or without, open and closed positons, how many pictures, etc. Your regular PCP or medical dr could give you a prescription, but again, how would he know what to ask for since he is not familiar with what to look for either.

You could probably call an imaging center and ask them if there is a standard MRI done of the jaws and whether or not you can have it done without a drs prescription. Some centers now do a full body scan without a script as long as the patient pays for it but they can be pretty expensive. I had a CT scan, an MRI and a ICAT (dental CT scan) of the jaws. I had to request the dr I was seeing at one point to send me to have the CT scan and then when I went to another dr I asked him to send me for the MRI - both were covered by my medical insurance. The dr that sent me for the MRI then also referred me to an orthodontist that had just gotten an ICAT - so I didn't need a prescription for that - but it too was subbmitted to and covered by my insurance. Orthodontists often have tomograms in their office and they don't need prescriptions to do those either - and they are often used in reviewing the tmjs as well.

It wouldn't hurt to ask the OS if he would send you for the MRI - just tell him you understand they can show both hard and soft tissue and are just more thorough than the standard panarex or panagram he used. If he does agree, generally the written results and films are sent to him or whomever prescribes them - so ask the place or imaging center you go to for copies of both - this way you can bring them to other drs for evaluation if necessary. There's usually a nominal fee for this but its slight in comparison to having to have them redone.

Pegala · 07-16-2009, 08:47 PM

I agree with Thelma-Louise, that you need a doctor's orders for an MRI. What I would do now, is look for a TMJ specialist in my area, and set up an appointment with him/her. I would start with my dentist and/or family doctor. I would also ask friends and family if they know any TMJ specialists. You'd be amazed at how many people are affected by TMJ. You should also ask the oral surgeon who he reccommends. I would go see a TMJ specialist, tell him what the oral surgeon says, what your symptoms are and take it from there. Chances are the specialist will order an MRI. If not, you could then ask for a referral, as now you have someone to read and interpret it. Let us know how you make out. - Peggy

caseyjo1024 · 07-26-2009, 01:34 PM

Another option is to see a chiropractor who knows a lot about TMJ. Not only can they send out for an MRI, but they can also treat the pain. Many people tend to think that chiropractors only treat the back, but that is not the case at all. A good chiropractor can treat just about any area of the body. And if you find one who specializes in muscle work, they can do even more. Call local offices, and ask questions like, Does the doctor perform any type of muscle work? Does the doctor treat TMJ? Does the doctor use a Electrical Muscle Stimulator, that could be applied the neck and jaw? If they do use EMS, ask how long it is typically used for. A good answer should be ten minutes. Hope this helps.