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

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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

Click below for full episode transcript:

Teaser: We do need to make sure that our teeth are in an orthopedically stable situation. And you should never trust what you see in the mouth 'cause the teeth may fit beautifully. But if the condyles aren't seated properly in the fossa, then it's like basically having a house built on quicksand.