TMJ + pain = MRI?!

Although school is now out, I am still trying to get some last minute things done before I leave; one of those is dealing with TMJ (jaw) problems. The insurance that we have from the school covers us very well everywhere except the US. I have experienced right jaw pain for about the last three years and it is getting annoying. I went to an orthodontist at the beginning of May and I expected braces, but instead he referred me to a maxillo-facial surgeon. I saw the surgeon for the first time on Wednesday. He was very informative and had a good idea of the problem -- the cartilage between the jaw bone and the skull. He sent me for an MRI because a normal X-ray would not get the cartilage. First off, an MRI?! Wow. I was not expecting that. And here, I have to pay for everything up front and then get reimbursed from the insurance company. I was able to get the MRI done for 18,500 Shillings (roughly $300) and it took an hour. I don't think you would be able to find it any cheaper. On Friday, I went back to the surgeon to get the results. It is an issue with my cartilage and it can be corrected with surgery. He would go in through an incision next to the right ear and correct the cartilage. I have yet to confirm if I will have the surgery done, but I am leaning towards it because I cannot stand this problem any more. There have been times in the past that my jaw hurt so bad that I would teach with a heat pad on my jaw. I will definitely keep you informed on what happens. I do get a small memento from this MRI -- the actual scans. Here, it is your responsibility to keep the X-rays and such.