While traditional dentistry focuses on the teeth, bones and gums, neuromuscular dentistry additionally evaluates the health of the muscles, nerves and joints of our entire head as a system. To put it simply, neuromuscular dentistry places the jaw in its optimal position relieving symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). People who suffer from TMD have an imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship caused by a bad bite (malocclusion).
TMD is a chronic degenerative disease that often takes years to develop. We all recognize some of the symptoms of TMD, but did you know the following are also symptoms?
- Headaches
- Head, neck and back pain
- Migraines
- Pain in or around the TMJ (jaw joint)
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles
- Bruxing (tooth grinding)
- Clenching
- Limited jaw movement
- Open or closed lock in the jaw
- Jaw joint noises (clicking/popping)
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum recession
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Loose teeth
- Missing teeth, especially molars
- Numbness or tingling in hands/arms
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Impaired hearing
- Stuffiness in the ears
- Double or blurred vision
- Pain in, around or behind the eyes
- Sinus problems
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Depression
Research has well established the association between intense chronic muscle contraction and chronic headaches. When the muscles become overused, pain begins to develop. The bulk of the dysfunctional muscular activity starts to eventually damage the joint. When the joint becomes damaged, the muscles try to protect it by splinting themselves into even more activity. An endless cycle ensues . . . pain worsens.
In order for us to achieve the relaxation of your muscles, we utilize an ultra-low frequency TENS unit to pulse the muscles. As your muscles relax, your jaw repositions itself. Once this relaxation is achieved, usually after about 45 minutes of quiet TENS stimulation, a registration of the jaw position is taken and used in the creation of a lower, neuromuscular orthotic appliance. The relaxed position is the key to success in treating the problem. Once we know where the jaw is comfortable we are able to determine the best way to achieve a permanent solution. The orthotic therapy portion of the treatment is considered to be the diagnostic phase of your treatment.