Condylography

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint do not occur suddenly. Most often, patients initially notice discomfort while chewing, clicking sounds in the joint area, muscle tension, or restricted movement of the lower jaw.

For an objective assessment of joint function, modern dentistry uses condylography — a method that allows the study of lower jaw movements in dynamics and provides accurate data for further treatment planning. This examination is an important stage of functional diagnostics in patients with complaints related to TMJ function.

Condylography is an examination of the temporomandibular joint that makes it possible to assess how it functions during movements of the lower jaw. During the examination, the movements of the joint heads are recorded when opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and performing lateral movements. Unlike X-ray, CT, or MRI, which provide a static image, TMJ condylography allows the joint to be evaluated dynamically — during actual functional loading.

As a result, the doctor receives objective data on the symmetry of movements, their smoothness, as well as possible restrictions or coordination disorders. The main purpose of the examination is to help accurately determine the cause of the patient’s complaints and use this information for well-grounded planning of further treatment.

Condylography is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic method; however, in certain situations its use may be temporarily inadvisable. The final decision on whether the examination can be performed is made by the doctor after examining the patient.

Contraindications include acute inflammatory processes in the joint area or soft tissues, pronounced pain syndrome that makes functional movements impossible, as well as the patient’s general condition that requires postponement of dental procedures. After the condition is stabilized, functional TMJ diagnostics can be performed without limitations.

Condylography is performed in a dental office using specialized equipment that records movements of the lower jaw and joint heads in dynamics. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.

The examination usually includes the following stages:

• Consultation and preparation. The doctor уточняет complaints, performs an examination, explains the purpose of the test, and describes which movements will need to be performed.

• Determination of baseline conditions. If necessary, the doctor assesses the resting position of the lower jaw, the type of bite, and factors that may affect movements (for example, muscle overstrain).

• Attachment of the recording system. Components of the device (sensors/recorders) are placed on the head and/or jaw area to record movement trajectories.

• Calibration and equipment check. The doctor calibrates the system to ensure accurate recording and confirms that the patient is comfortable.

• Recording functional movements. The patient performs a series of controlled movements on the doctor’s command: opening and closing the mouth; protrusion of the lower jaw forward; movements to the right and left; sometimes imitation of chewing or other tests depending on the task.

• Generation of graphs and initial assessment. After recording, the system generates movement trajectories that allow the doctor to assess symmetry, smoothness, and possible restrictions or deviations.

• Explanation of results and next steps. The doctor explains the findings and determines whether additional examinations or treatment are needed. In particular, a gnathological splint may be recommended to correct TMJ function.

As a result, condylography provides objective data for functional assessment of the joint and helps to more accurately plan further dental interventions.

Diagnostics of the temporomandibular joint using condylography makes it possible to obtain objective information about TMJ function during movements of the lower jaw. The examination results are presented in the form of graphs and movement trajectories.

When analyzing the results, the doctor assesses:

• movement trajectories of the joint heads during mouth opening and closing;

• symmetry or asymmetry of movements of the right and left joints;

• smoothness of movements and the presence of abrupt changes or pauses;

• limitations in the range of motion or deviations from physiological norms;

• signs of uncoordinated function of the joints and masticatory muscles.

In patients with TMJ complaints, condylography allows the detection of functional disorders that may not present with clear structural changes and may not be visible on radiographic images or CT scans.

The main significance of condylography lies in the ability to accurately determine the cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and to select effective treatment aimed at eliminating pain, discomfort, and other patient complaints.

The examination results allow the doctor to:

• identify functional causes of pain in the joint area, tension of the masticatory muscles, clicking sounds, or restricted movements of the lower jaw;

• determine the type and nature of TMJ dysfunction and choose the optimal treatment strategy;

• justify the prescription of occlusal splints, assess the appropriateness of their use, and subsequently monitor treatment effectiveness;

• track the dynamics of changes in the joint condition and adjust therapy.

Condylography data are also used when planning prosthetic or orthodontic treatment, when it is necessary to take into account individual features of TMJ function.

This approach makes it possible to address not only individual symptoms but also the root cause of the disorder, which ensures more stable treatment outcomes.

At the Oxford Medical dental clinic, the examination is performed as part of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing TMJ disorders. First, the doctor assesses the feasibility of the examination, explains its role in the treatment plan, and informs the patient about the condylography price. You can review the prices for medical services in Kyiv at our clinic here.

To book a doctor’s consultation or an examination, please contact our call center using the phone numbers listed on the website.