Have had over 6 months tmj treatment ( pt and splint ) but tmj still not fully resolved. is it time to get an mri scan?

Perhaps: If you are having continued headaches and limited opening then an MRI is appropriate to see where your disc is and what condition it is in. Perhaps you have a closed locked joint which means you are unable to open all the way due to the disc not on the condyle but stuck out in front. This will allow diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

TMJ problems: The first recommendation is to see a dentist that specializes in TMJ treatment and have them determine the diagnosis. The doctor needs to determine the origin of the pain in order to order the proper images. An MRI and or a cone beam ct would be recommended but the imaging center needs to know what they are looking for in order to take the proper image.

Possibly more: Tmj problems manifest symptoms that are shared by at least 12 other medical problems. It is therefore critical that you seek the diagnostic services of a doctor who specializes in the treatment of TMJ disorders. He/she will determine whether or not an MRI or possibly a cone beam ct is the appropriate next step in the approach to your problem.

Other options: That may be the case that you need more diagnostic tests to be conducted to determine the condition and possible direct cause of the problem, consult your treating doctor for available options..

It takes time: Unfortunately TMJ disorders can be caused by a lot of factors, first you need to get a proper diagnosis, find the real reason and then attempt to provide a specific treatment, a specialist in TMJ such a prosthodontist can be most helpful, all occlusal guards are not the same. Tmj symptoms may take al long time to heal, and need a lot of adjustments. Dr mokbel, www.Scdentalimplants.Com.

That depends: That depends on the severity of your symptoms. For some people TMJ dysfunction can never be 100% resolved. If you are pain free and have no locking, it may be as resolved as it will get. If you still have pain and/or locking then further treatment by a TMJ specialist is warranted. They may request an MRI as part of their diagnosis. Another important step in TMJ treatment is stress reduction.

Possibly: It depends on the level of breakdown our of your joints... If you have a full anterior disk displacement without reduction, then the answer is likely yes, to get an MRI for baseline... If the breakdown is extra capsular, or in the muscles, then possibly not...Depending on the severity, and remodeling of the joint, resolution can take 2-3 years... Also depends on parafunction (clenching/grinding).

TMJ expert: I'd first make sure the person who made your splint is a TMJ expert. Many dentists who make splints are not. If you have splint therapy with a TMJ expert and still are in pain, ask him/her the next step. Ask about a referral to a TMJ oral surgeon.

See OFP specialist: The Orofacial Pain specialists provide diagnosis and treatment of pain in the head, face and TMJ. They are the experts in TMJ and chronic pain field. Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.