The panoramic radiograph is a useful screening tool for most patients, and will show gross abnormalities of the bony anatomy of the TMJ (Fig. 1). If history and physical examination suggest internal derangement of the TMJ, MRI may be appropriate.
Over time, both dentistry and the specialty of maxillofacial radiography have advanced dramatically. Precision and perfection are the hallmarks of modern dentistry, and accurate high resolution imaging is required to reach this level of excellence.