Diagnosing disk dysfunction and tissue changes in the temporomandibular joint with magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique that clearly documents disk positioning abnormalities and tissue structure changes not previously discovered except by surgical intervention and biopsy. The MRI also shows hyperplasias, disk folds, displaced disks, and disk thinning-important information to have before surgical intervention is begun. Overall, MRI provides a basis for complex dental treatment planning and prognostic evaluation.