Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys!
Book Now for Unforgettable Journeys with Travelers Agency and embark on a seamless adventure crafted just for you.
Bringing Prior X-Rays and Imaging for TMJ Evaluation
If you are scheduling a TMJ evaluation, bring any prior x-rays, scans, reports, or related dental records you already have. In some cases, previous imaging can give Dr. John Kim helpful context about your jaw joints, teeth, bite, and prior treatment history before your visit even begins.
At our Irvine practice, we focus on personalized care for TMJ and jaw pain. That starts with understanding your symptoms clearly and reviewing the records that may already exist. If you have had a panoramic x-ray, CBCT scan, MRI, dental records, or other imaging through a dentist, specialist, physician, or imaging center, bring it with you if it is available. If you do not have anything to bring, that is fine too. We can still evaluate you carefully and determine what records are needed.
What Imaging Can Be Helpful?
Not every patient comes in with the same history. Some people are coming for a first evaluation. Others have already seen general dentists, specialists, or physicians and may have had imaging taken along the way. Prior records may be useful when they show:
- panoramic x-rays
- CBCT scans
- MRI reports or images
- digital dental records or scans
- prior TMJ treatment records
- notes from dentists, physicians, or other providers
These records do not replace your exam. They simply help us see the bigger picture when they are relevant.
Why Prior Imaging Matters
TMJ symptoms can overlap with many different issues. Jaw pain, joint noise, limited opening, facial pain, headaches, and bite changes do not always tell the full story by themselves. Part of a thorough evaluation is reviewing your history, understanding your symptoms, and deciding what records are useful for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dr. Kim performs a clinical exam of the temporomandibular joint and may also review panoramic imaging to screen for possible dental issues. If indicated, he may recommend a CBCT scan to better visualize the jaw joint, and those images may be sent to a board-certified radiologist for a report. If you already have usable prior imaging, bringing it can help provide added background as we evaluate what is going on and what next steps make sense.
That is also why many patients appreciate learning more about TMJ diagnostics and evaluation, what to expect at your first TMJ visit, and TMJ treatment planning before they come in.
What to Bring to Your Visit
If you have prior imaging or records, try to bring:
- copies of x-rays or scans
- written radiology reports
- a USB drive or digital link if your imaging center provided one
- records from previous TMJ treatment
- a list of prior appliances, splints, or orthotics
- relevant dental or medical notes if available
If you are unsure whether something is worth bringing, bring it anyway. It is better for us to review a record that may be useful than to leave out something important from your history.
What If You Do Not Have Prior Imaging?
You do not need to delay your consultation if you do not already have records. Many patients come to us without prior imaging, or with records that are incomplete or outdated. Your visit can still move forward.
At your appointment, our team will review your concerns and symptoms, and Dr. Kim will perform a clinical examination of your teeth, mouth, and jaw joint. If additional records or imaging are needed, we can explain what would be most helpful and why. In some cases, that may include digital scans or advanced imaging based on your diagnosis and symptoms.
If you are still deciding whether your symptoms sound TMJ-related, you may also want to review TMJ symptoms and CBCT imaging for TMJ.
Bring the Full History, Not Just the Image
Sometimes the most helpful thing is not just the scan itself, but the story that goes with it. If you have been treated before, let us know what was recommended, what helped, what did not help, and what symptoms are bothering you most now.
That matters because TMJ care is not based on one image alone. It is built from your history, your symptoms, your exam findings, and the right records when they are relevant. Our goal is to understand the reason for your symptoms and offer treatment based on your diagnosis, not to push a one-size-fits-all approach.
Preparing for Your TMJ Consultation
When you come in, expect a thorough and focused evaluation. Our team will ask about your concerns, symptoms, and prior care. Dr. Kim will review your history, examine your jaw joint, and explain your diagnosis and treatment options in a clear, patient-friendly way.
If you already have imaging, bring it. If you do not, we will guide you through the next steps. Either way, the goal is the same: to give you a more complete understanding of what may be causing your symptoms and what treatment options may be appropriate.
If you are ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with John H. Kim, DDS in Irvine. We provide focused care for patients dealing with TMJ, jaw pain, and related symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring old dental x-rays even if they were not taken for TMJ?
Yes. If you have them available, bring them. Even if they were not originally taken for TMJ, they may still provide useful background.
Can I still be seen if I do not have prior imaging?
Yes. You do not need prior imaging to schedule a consultation. We can determine during your visit what records or imaging may be needed.
What if my imaging was taken a long time ago?
Bring it anyway if you have it. Older imaging may still provide history that is helpful when reviewing prior findings or treatment.
Do I need to bring the actual images or just the report?
Bring both if possible. The images and the written report can each add useful information.
Will prior imaging replace the need for an exam?
No. Your clinical examination remains an important part of understanding your symptoms and building the right treatment plan.
Have A Question? Reach Out To Us!
Welcome to the practice of Dr. John H. Kim! We look forward to serving you.
Contact Info
17305 VON KARMAN AVE.
SUITE 204 IRVINE, CA 92614
Business Hours
Mon - Tues
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
Closed (at Kaiser Sleep Clinic)
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
Closed (at Kaiser Sleep Clinic)
© 2026 All Rights Reserved | John H. Kim DDS | Design by MORNINGDOVE MARKETING