What is an MRI of the mandible?
An MRI of the mandible is a non-invasive imaging scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the lower jawbone (also known as the mandible) and surrounding soft tissues. This scan helps visualise the bones, muscles, nerves and soft tissues of the mandible region, which allows doctors to diagnose various conditions and plan treatment.
Why is an MRI of the mandible performed?
An MRI of the mandible is performed to diagnose or monitor several conditions affecting the joints. Your doctor may order this scan to:
- Detect fractures or other injuries
- Determine damage or inflammation in the temporomandibular joint
- Check for disk displacement and cartilage damage
- Identify signs of infection in the bone or surrounding tissue
- Detects tumours and metastatic growths
- Examine the extent of oral cancer in the surrounding soft tissue
Your healthcare provider may also recommend this scan to plan surgical procedures.
How is an MRI of the mandible performed?
You will need to lie down on your back on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You will need to lie still during the whole test procedure. The magnetic waves may sound loud during the test. However, you may avail the option to listen to music, and you can also contact the technician through a signalling device in your hand. You might be given a contrast agent through an intravenous line in your hand, which helps provide better-quality pictures.
What does an abnormal MRI of the mandible indicate?
An abnormal MRI of the mandible may indicate various conditions related to the mandibular condyle. The common conditions may include:
- Fracture: MRI can help detect fractures that a CT scan or X-ray cannot detect.
- Osteomyelitis: An MRI mandible can detect osteomyelitis of the jaw, which is an infection that causes soft tissue swelling and abscess.
- Bone tumours: It can detect tumours or tumour-like conditions, such as synovial chondromatosis.
- Disc displacement: An MRI of the mandible can detect disc displacement, in which the articular disc is out of its usual position. This is one of the most common temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Disc morphology: Other disk conditions, including disc disease or degeneration, and tears in the disk, can also be detected through an MRI.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: An MRI mandible can detect a loose body in the joint space or a defect in the condyle, indicating osteochondritis dissecans.
- Masticator space abnormalities: This MRI can identify infections, inflammation or other changes in the muscles and the soft tissues surrounding the mandible.
- Swelling of lymph nodes: Sometimes, inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the parotid gland, which can be seen in this MRI scan.
However, consult your doctor for a better understanding of your condition.
Fortunately, you can easily book a mandible MRI in Rajapalayam because there are multiple mandible MRI centres in Rajapalayam. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The mandible MRI cost in Rajapalayam may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, mandible MRI prices in Rajapalayam start from rupees 4650 only.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MRI of the mandible?
An MRI of the mandible is an imaging procedure that helps detect several conditions or defects in the mandibular region or the jawbone by using magnetic fields and radio waves.
Why is an MRI of the mandible done?
An MRI of the mandible is used to detect abnormalities in the mandibular region, such as injuries, infections, inflammation, disk displacement, and bone tumours.
How long does an MRI of the mandible take?
An MRI of the mandible may take about 30-45 minutes.
Does an MRI of the mandible involve the use of a contrast agent?
An MRI of the mandible can be performed with or without contrast materials.