Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
Where TMJ BOTH covers two joints, TMJ SINGLE (OPEN & CLOOSE) focuses on just one, the joint your doctor is concerned about, closed then open, so two pictures make up the set rather than four. It skips the other side, which makes sense when symptoms clearly point to just one joint and no comparison is needed. The closed and open pair still shows how the condyle, your jawbone's rounded end, moves as your mouth opens, catching a joint that gets stuck or moves unevenly. Like the two-joint version, this X-ray shows bone position and movement only, not the soft disc inside the joint. Your doctor decides between the two versions based on your symptoms.
Two images make up the set: the affected jaw joint captured once with your mouth closed and once open, showing how far the condyle moves during opening. It covers only the one joint and shows bone position and movement, not the soft disc inside it.
When symptoms clearly point to one jaw joint, your doctor may order TMJ SINGLE (OPEN & CLOOSE) rather than imaging both sides. It uses the same closed-then-open pairing as the two-joint version, just focused on one joint.
If there is no reason to think the other joint is involved, and no need to compare the two sides, imaging just the affected joint answers the question with fewer images and less time in position. Your doctor weighs this against the two-joint version, which is chosen when a side-by-side comparison would add useful information.
- The closed-mouth image shows where the condyle sits within the joint socket at rest - The open-mouth image shows how far it rotates and slides forward as your mouth opens - Comparing the two shows whether the joint moves through its expected range on that side
As with the two-joint version, this X-ray shows bone only. The soft cartilage disc inside the joint, often involved in clicking or locking, does not show up on a plain X-ray. If your doctor still needs to see the disc, an MRI is the usual next step.
Your doctor orders the single-joint version when symptoms clearly point to one side and there is no need to compare it against the other joint. This means fewer images for the same useful information.
The both-joints version images each side once closed and once open, four images in total, mainly to compare left and right. This version covers just the one joint of concern, two images in total.
It can show whether the bone position and movement look normal, but clicking is often related to the soft disc inside the joint, which this X-ray cannot see. An MRI may follow if needed.
You will be asked to open as far as comfortably possible for the open-mouth image, guided by the technologist, but not forced beyond what feels manageable. Tell the technologist if you feel discomfort at any point.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Yes, if findings on one side raise a question about the other joint, your doctor can order the other side separately or move to the both-joints version at a later visit.
Opening your mouth for the image can cause some discomfort if the joint is already painful. Tell the technologist if it becomes too uncomfortable.
Not entirely, since this X-ray shows bone only, not the soft disc inside the joint. Ongoing symptoms despite a normal film may lead your doctor to order an MRI.