ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Which imaging techniques should you prioritize for TMD patients? Does a panoramic radiograph hold any value?
When should you consider taking a CBCT of the joints instead? How about an MRI scan for the TMJ?
Dr. Dania Tamimi joins Jaz for the first AES 2026 Takeover episode, diving deep into the complexities of TMD diagnosis and TMJ Imaging. They break down the key imaging techniques, how to use them effectively, and the importance of accurate reports in patient care.
They also discuss key strategies for making sense of MRIs and CBCTs, highlighting how the quality of reports can significantly impact patient care and diagnosis. Understanding these concepts early can make all the difference in effectively managing TMD cases.
https://youtu.be/NBCdqhs5oNY
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Don’t lose touch with the magic of in-person learning — balance online education with attending live conferences to connect with peers, meet mentors, and experience the true essence of dentistry!
Join us in Chicago AES 2026 where Jaz and Mahmoud will also be speaking among superstars such as Jeff Rouse and Lukasz Lassmann!
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways:
- Imaging should follow clinical diagnosis → not replace it.
- Every imaging modality answers different questions; choose wisely.
- TMJ disorders affect more than the jaw → they influence face, airway, growth, posture.
- Think beyond replacing teeth → treatment should serve function, not just fill space.
- Avoid “satisfaction of search error” → finding one problem shouldn’t stop broader evaluation.
Highlights of this episode:
- 02:52 Protrusive Dental Pearl
- 06:01 Meet Dr. Dania Tamimi
- 09:04 Understanding TMJ Imaging
- 16:00 TMJ Soft Tissue Anatomy
- 21:04 The Miracle Joint: TMJ Self-Repair
- 24:26 The Role of Imaging in TMJ Diagnosis
- 28:15 Acquiring Panoramic Images
- 39:35 Guidelines for Using Different Imaging Techniques
- 41:26 Case Study: Misdiagnosis and Its Consequences
- 45:46 Balancing Clinical Diagnosis and Imaging
- 50:17 Role of Imaging in Orthodontics
- 53:18 The Importance of Accurate MRI Reporting
- 58:27 Final Thoughts on Imaging and Diagnosis
- 01:00:54 Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities
📅 Upcoming Talks & Courses by Dr. Tamimi
🔔 AES 2026 Conference (Chicago):
- Topic: “Telling the Story of Your Patient Through Imaging”
- Focus: Understanding patterns in imaging and how they reveal the patient’s full clinical picture
💻 “How to Read a Cone Beam CT” Virtual Course (Concord Seminars)
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss out on [Spear Education] Piper Classification and TMJ Imaging with Dr. McKee – PDP080.
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A, B, and C.
AGD Subject Code: 730 ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL DIAGNOSIS, ORAL PATHOLOGY (Imaging techniques)
Aim: To enhance clinicians’ understanding of TMJ imaging modalities, improve diagnostic reasoning, and empower dental professionals to make evidence-based imaging decisions for temporomandibular joint disorders.
Dentists will be able to –
1. Differentiate between panoramic radiography, cone beam CT (CBCT), and MRI for TMJ evaluation.
2. Identify the appropriate imaging modality based on specific TMJ diagnoses (e.g., soft tissue vs. hard tissue pathology).
3. Recognize the risks of under- and over-imaging and apply a diagnostic question-driven approach to imaging selection.
#PDPMainEpisodes #OcclusionTMDandSplints #OralSurgeryandOralMedicine
