CBCT can assess the bony parts of the temporomandibular joints and facial skeleton, but it does not show every cause of jaw pain.
What CBCT can show in the jaw joint
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, contains both bone and soft-tissue structures. CBCT can show the mandibular condyle, joint surfaces, bony remodelling, osteoarthritis, fractures and selected developmental or postoperative changes.
What CBCT does not show well
The joint disc, ligaments, muscles, inflammation and many pain-related soft-tissue abnormalities are not assessed well with CBCT. 3T MRI is often the preferred examination when internal disc position or soft-tissue joint pathology is the main question.
Facial skeleton and dental trauma
CBCT may assist assessment of selected dentoalveolar fractures, tooth displacement, jaw lesions and complex bony anatomy. Major facial trauma, suspected intracranial injury, significant bleeding or extensive soft-tissue injury generally requires emergency assessment and conventional medical CT.
For medical CT capability at MBR Health, see Spectral CT.
Jaw pain is multifactorial
Jaw and facial pain may arise from the teeth, TMJ, muscles, salivary glands, nerves, sinuses, ears, cervical spine or other causes. A normal CBCT does not exclude all important pathology, and diagnosis may require multi-modality assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBCT the best scan for TMJ pain?
It is useful for the bony joint surfaces. MRI is often more appropriate for the disc and other soft tissues. The best examination depends on the suspected cause.
Can CBCT show jaw arthritis?
It may show bony changes such as flattening, sclerosis, erosion or osteophytes, but symptoms and clinical function must also be assessed.
Should I have CBCT after facial trauma?
Minor dental trauma may be assessed with dental imaging, but major trauma requires urgent medical assessment and often conventional CT.
Related Patient Guides
See the full MBR Health Patient Guides library for simple information about imaging, preparation, safety and results.
- PG5001 Cone Beam CT: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Scan
- PG5002 Cone Beam CT vs OPG and Standard Dental X-Rays
- PG5003 Cone Beam CT Radiation Dose and Safety
- PG5004 Cone Beam CT for Dental Implant Planning
- PG5005 Cone Beam CT for Wisdom Teeth and Oral Surgery
- PG5006 Cone Beam CT for Root Canal and Endodontic Assessment
- PG5007 Cone Beam CT for Orthodontics and Impacted Teeth
- PG5009 Sinuses, Airways and Incidental Findings on Dental CBCT
- PG5010 What Cone Beam CT Can and Cannot Show
Related MBR Health services: 3T MRI • Spectral CT • X-ray & Dental Imaging
More FAQs: For other common imaging and appointment questions, visit the MBR Health FAQs page.
| Important: Severe facial trauma, altered consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, airway difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling requires emergency medical assessment. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG5008 | Patient information: TMJ imaging Gold Coast
Looking for expert TMJ imaging on the Gold Coast or comparing Brisbane radiology?
The most accurate investigation for jaw pain depends on what is suspected. CBCT is excellent for bony TMJ surfaces, while 3T MRI can assess the disc and other soft tissues. Patients searching for the best TMJ scan, expert radiology or advanced facial imaging on the Gold Coast can access both dental CBCT and MRI at MBR Health, reducing the risk of relying on a single modality for a complex problem.
Explore: 3T MRI • X-ray & Dental Imaging • Spectral CT
