Immediate access to TMJ MRI scans
Diagnostic mouth and jaw MRI scans
Read more about what a Mouth and jaw scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a Mouth and jaw MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health?
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Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer mouth and jaw MRI scans throughout the UK.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Fast and affordable private MRI scans for your mouth and jaw
The mouth and jaw - referred to in medicine as the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ - are crucial for your health and daily life. MRI scans are among the best diagnostic tools for identification of TMJ pathology, providing information on disc position, morphology, mobility, inflammation, and diseases of the connective tissue.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI mouth and jaw (TMJ) scans right across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is a mouth and jaw (TMJ) MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure, capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
A TMJ MRI scan will take cross-sectional images of the inside of your mouth and jaw to examine the jaw muscles, the mandible and teeth, and the associated cartilage discs.
What symptoms would prompt a TMJ MRI scan?
Typical symptoms which might warrant a mouth and jaw TMJ MRI scan include:
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pain that travels through your jaw, face and neck
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pain in your jaw or near your ear
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difficulty swallowing or speaking
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stiff jaw muscles
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loose teeth
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painful clicking or popping in the jaw
A doctor might also advise a mouth and jaw MRI scan if it’s difficult to determine the reasons for your symptoms, or to gather more information to develop a treatment plan.
What can a mouth and jaw MRI scan detect?
During your scan, the radiologist will take cross-sectional images of the inside of your mouth and jaw using an MRI scanner. These will be used to examine your five jaw muscles, your mandible and teeth, and cartilage discs.
Your scan could reveal any of these conditions:
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Dislocation
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Fractures
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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
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Osteonecrosis
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Odontogenic tumours
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Injuries to bones or tissues
You’ll then be able to take your report to an oral pathologist, who will use the information to determine the best treatment for your condition.
How do I prepare for a TMJ MRI scan?
Our patient care team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
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cochlear implants
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ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
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pacemakers
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artificial joints
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artificial heart valves
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allergy to MRI contrast material
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pregnancy
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claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a mouth and jaw MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. A mouth and jaw MRI scan takes around 40 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Step by step
Your mouth and jaw MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private mouth and jaw TMJ MRI scan with Vista Health
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Step 1
Choose your location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Step 2
Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. Your mouth and jaw scan should take about XX minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Step 3
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private mouth and jaw MRI scan cost?
| Label and description | Value |
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Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
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£365
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Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
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£345
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Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
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£249
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one