In the summer of 2012, an ordinary consultation to get my wisdom teeth removed led to a startling discovery.
“Do you know that you have idiopathic condylar resorption? Only your back molars touch,” stated the dental surgeon.
I replied, “No... I just thought food was extra tough to chew.”
And with this, my journey with idiopathic condylar resorption began. Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is defined by the Baylor University Medical Center as, “ a specific condition that affects the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJs) and most commonly occurs in teenage girls.” Because this doctor was specialized in wisdom teeth removal, I sought a second opinion and even a third. Both maxillofacial surgeons I saw informed me that surgery would be required lest with old age, I would deal with joint issues.
Before the preliminary steps to such a surgery can even be taken, it must be determined that the disease has been in remission for at least twelve months. Since there is no definitive way to determine whether or not resorption has ended, the area is observed biannually to see if there is any measurable change. As a result, every six months since my diagnosis, I have had X-rays taken of my jaw and the occlusal gap (overbite) is measured.
Because of the need for constant monitoring of the disease, I have amassed numerous X-rays and other medical records in order to build a comprehensive portfolio of my condition. Previously, I would have to retrieve all these X-rays prior to each doctor’s visit, which became an increasingly tedious process as I amassed more medical images. With Jack Imaging, I am able to organize all of these medical images and monitor the progress of my condition chronologically. It has been two years since my diagnosis and I will soon begin the preparatory steps for my surgery. When the time comes to coordinate with an orthodontist for my pre-surgery preparation, I will be able to easily share my X-rays with him/her via Jack Imaging rather than bringing in my assorted medical image discs. After the surgery, I must continue to monitor the jaw joints via X-ray for about a year to ensure that the surgery was a success.
Rather than sending in a request to retrieve my medical images for viewing, I am now able to monitor my condition on my laptop using this online platform. I feel empowered knowing that I can keep track of my health from my own home.
*name has been changed for privacy
