Computed Tomography (CT) of the Temporomandibular Joint Without Contrast
A CT scan of the jaw joint that uses X-rays to evaluate the joint and surrounding bone without injected contrast material.
["This scan provides detailed images of the temporomandibular joint and nearby bones to help evaluate jaw pain, swelling, injury, or limited movement."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 37283-9
- Short code
- CT TMJ WO contr
- Synonyms
- CT TMJ WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a computed tomography scan of the temporomandibular joint, the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It creates detailed X-ray images of the joint and surrounding bones without using injected contrast material.
Why might I need this test?
The scan may be recommended for persistent jaw pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or limited opening. It can also help evaluate a suspected injury, arthritis, or other structural changes affecting the jaw joint.
How is the test performed?
You will lie in a CT scanner while X-rays rotate around your head and neck to create detailed images. The scan is generally painless, and the images are reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your ordering clinician.
How do I prepare for the test?
No contrast material is used, so there is usually no special preparation or fasting requirement. Remove nearby metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, and removable dentures if instructed, and tell the technologist if you are pregnant, have metal implants, or experience anxiety in enclosed spaces.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may include a fracture, joint-space narrowing, bone spurs, arthritis, or other structural changes in the temporomandibular joint. The results should be interpreted together with your symptoms, physical examination, and other imaging, since some abnormalities may not require treatment. Your clinician or dental specialist can explain what the scan means for you.
Short name
TMJ CT Without Contrast
Frequently asked questions
Does this CT scan use contrast material?
Is a CT scan of the jaw joint painful?
Can this test identify a temporomandibular joint disorder?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy