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Jaw joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull and enables movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning.

MRI Temporomandibular joints

MRI Temporomandibular joints

Magnetic resonance imaging

5 495 kr

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Contents

Quick version

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint is a double ball-and-socket joint located on both sides of the head where the lower jaw (mandible) meets the temporal bone (os temporale). It has a complex structure with a articular disc (disk) between the joint surfaces that helps control movement and cushion pressure. The temporomandibular joint is unique in that it moves synchronously on both sides during movement and has both hinge and sliding movements.

Anatomy and structure

The temporomandibular joint consists of the mandibular condyle (condylus mandibulae), the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis), and a articular disc (discus articularis) between these. Around the joint are ligaments, muscles and a joint capsule that enable and control movement.

Function and movement

The temporomandibular joint allows for several movements, ranging from opening and closing the mouth, lateral movements (laterotrusion) to forward and backward displacement (protrusion and retrusion). These movements are used when you chew, talk, yawn and swallow.

Common causes of temporomandibular joint problems

Problems in the temporomandibular joint can be caused by muscle tension, bite abnormalities, teeth grinding (bruxism), joint inflammation, osteoarthritis or trauma to the jaw. Psychological stress and incorrect movement patterns are also common contributing factors.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the temporomandibular joint is often caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, joint dislocation (dislocation), inflammation or disc displacement. The conditions can lead to pain, noises (clicks), locking or limited opening ability.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, clinical examination of range of motion, pain reaction and temporomandibular joint sounds. Imaging diagnostics such as panoramic X-ray, MRI of the temporomandibular joint or CBCT can be used if structural changes or disc problems are suspected.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain when chewing or yawning
  • Clicking or cracking noises in the temporomandibular joint
  • Locking or difficulty opening/closing the mouth
  • Tenderness in the jaw muscles
  • Headache or pain around the temple

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
  • Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
  • Disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Joint dislocation in temporomandibular joint

Questions and answers

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone and enables movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning.

Pain often occurs due to tense jaw muscles, bite problems, inflammation, disc displacement or overload from teeth grinding.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a collective term for pain, clicking sounds, or movement disorders in the jaw caused by joint or muscle problems.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint or temporomandibular joints can be treated with a bite splint, relaxation exercises, physiotherapy, painkillers or, if necessary, orthodontic treatment or surgery.

Yes, stress can lead to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which increases the risk of muscular and joint-related jaw problems.

Clicking sounds during jaw movements are often due to the disc in the temporomandibular joint temporarily slipping out of position and can be a sign of a slipped disc.

It may be a good idea to contact healthcare if you have persistent pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or clear sounds in the joint that affect function.

Jaw joint osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint that can cause pain, stiffness and limited movement, especially in the elderly.

Problems in the temporomandibular joint are diagnosed through clinical examination of jaw movements, palpation of the muscles, and sometimes X-rays or MRIs if structural damage is suspected.

Tests related to Jaw joint

Skeleton and Joints

MRI Temporomandibular joints

MRI Temporomandibular joints

Magnetic resonance imaging
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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • MR TMJ – shows the cartilage disc, joint surfaces, fluid and inflammation in the TMJ.
  • Recommended for pain, clicking, jaw locking or suspected joint damage.
  • Radiation-free method that provides superior image quality compared to X-rays.
  • Quick and painless examination with specialist opinion – referral included.

5 495 kr

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