What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry was first introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s and examined the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Instead of being limited to just teeth, neuromuscular dentistry also focuses on the relationship between the muscles, bones, nerves, and temporomandibular joints. Using advanced technology, our dentists can find the most ideal resting position for the lower jaw. When the jaw is in its most optimal position, it allows the surrounding muscles to relax and thus establishes harmony.
TMD and Neuromuscular Dentistry
Have you noticed any of the following symptoms and have no explanation as to why they happen to you?
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Tooth pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Jaw and facial pain
- Unexplained tooth wear
- Earaches
- Eye pain and pressure
- Numbness and tingling in hands
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Locking of jaw
- Clicking and popping jaw
You may be suffering from TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. TMD occurs when your upper and lower jaws become misaligned, forcing your bite out of its natural position. Where general dentistry addresses typical problems associated with your teeth and gums, Neuromuscular Dentistry is specifically used to determine the perfect resting position for your jaw, adjusting your jaw to relieve pain and discomfort.
TMD Diagnosis
Despite the fact that TMD is a common condition, diagnosis and treatment require an expert to perform the delicate and precise jaw alignment necessary to alleviate your symptoms. Because the misalignment of TMD is often difficult to note using traditional methods of observation, experts specializing in Neuromuscular Dentistry use sophisticated diagnostics for the most effective treatment.
Our neuromuscular dentistry diagnostics Include:
- Sonography – This technology measures joint sounds as you close and open your mouth to diagnose clicking, popping, grating, and grinding that occurs in the joint. The sound frequency can help determine the level of ligament and joint damage.
- Electromyography – This technology measures the electricity in the chewing muscles to determine how well the muscles function when at rest and when working.
- Jaw Tracking – We use a computer and Sensoray to measure jaw function accurately while creating a 3D image to understand which teeth positions create the most comfortable joint and jaw positions.
- TENS – This unit delivers mild electrical pulses to the muscles to help them relax, increase blood flow, remove toxins, and encourage muscles to rest in a comfortable position.
This refined method of analysis is the basis of your customized treatment plan designed to correct your misaligned bite and end the symptoms causing you pain, with no need for potentially harmful medication.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatment For TMJ
Once our Rochester neuromuscular dentists gather all of the data they need, they will determine how to reposition your jaw and establish a comfortable and relaxed bite. Your TMJ treatment may include:
- TENS electrical Stimulation – Using TENS frequently can help the jaw muscles remain relaxed and in their most optimal position.
- Custom Fabricated TMJ Appliances – Our neuromuscular dentists can custom-make TMJ appliances to reposition your jaw during sleep. Wearing it nightly can help establish a comfortable resting bite during the day and prevent painful symptoms of TMJ from occurring.
- Cosmetic Dentistry – Once we establish a comfortable bite, cosmetic dentistry treatments can help the optimal bite remain in place permanently. Cosmetic dentistry can also help rebuild lost tooth structure from grinding and clenching teeth.
Other dental offices may only provide you with a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. It’s important to know that this doesn’t treat the underlying cause of TMJ. Neuromuscular dentistry, on the other hand, treats the underlying cause and provides long-lasting results.
Get Neuromuscular Dentistry in Rochester Today
If you or a loved one is suffering needlessly from the symptoms of TMJ, neuromuscular dentistry can help. Please contact our neuromuscular dentist in Rochester, MI at Rochester Advanced Dentistry by calling (248) 656-2020 to book an appointment today.
