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Neuromuscular Dentistry—What is a Neuromuscular Dentist?

Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the muscles that move the jaw. The recognition that these muscles must be in a relaxed position to avoid tension with the teeth and joint leads to the emphasis on finding that relaxed position. The first goal of neuromuscular dentistry concentrates on determining the position of the jaw where the muscles relax.

Neuromuscular dentistry can help lighten symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain and tinnitus— ringing in the ears.

A neuromuscular dentist specializes in this form of dentistry and can help alleviate symptom pains. By using advanced technology, neuromuscular dentists can record jaw movements, including your resting position.

Neuromuscular dentists use the following treatment procedures:

1) Sonography

Sonography is used to record jaw sounds. These recordings help determine the quality and location of sound during jaw movement. Sounds consist of clicking, grinding and scraping.

2) Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS)

TENSing the muscles involves flushing out lactic acid and infusing the muscles with fresh blood and oxygen, allowing the muscles to relax.

3) Electromyography

Electromyography, the technical monitoring of tension in a muscle, enables the dentist to record the chewing muscles. This technique also allows the dentist to measure the fit of your bite, testing to see if an imbalance occurs.

When a neuromuscular dentist diagnoses you with TMJ, treatment can include:

1. Coronoplasty – a reshaping of the teeth enamel aimed at correcting your bite.
2. Restructuring – raising the teeth using crowns. This procedure realigns your bite, promoting more jaw support.
3. Orthodontics – teeth may be aligned in optimal position using braces.

Find a neuromuscular dentist.

Friday, May 17, 2013