There are two appointments necessary for your TMJ evaluation and consultation
Appointment 1
- Dr. Gittelson will examine your TMJs, face, jaw and neck and the way you bite your teeth together and move your jaw.
- Digital photographic documentation of your face, jaw, bite (e.g. how teeth come together).
- Prepare you for your TMJ MRI.
What is an MRI?
An MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a procedure used to examine the hard and soft tissue structures of the body. Relative to the TMJs, MRI allows direct visualization and evaluation of both hard and soft tissue jaw joint structures.
How does MRI Work?
An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. This information is then sent to a computer which processes all the signals and generates it into an image. The final product is a 3-D image representation of the area being examined. Unlike CT scanning or general x-ray studies, no ionizing radiation is involved with an MRI. TMJ MRI’s are a very safe and painless procedure to have done.
Dr. Gittelson has extensive training in the science of jaw joint diagnostics and TMJ MRI interpretation. He received this training at the prestigious Piper Education and Research Center (www.PiperERC.com), St Petersburg, FL under the direct tutelage of Mark Piper, M.D., D.M.D.
- The TMJ MRI scan protocol is a direct result of the training referenced above.
- Multiple custom bite records of your mouth are made at Dr. Gittelson’s office to be utilized during the MRI process. The purpose of these bite records are to simulate jaw movement, allowing the TMJs to be analyzed in different functioning positions (e.g. chewing and talking).