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Posted on December 28, 2008 by Patricia Woloch | Posted under Dental Care
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
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The goal of neuromuscular dentistry is to ensure that your mouth and jaw are functioning properly. This optimum level of functioning occurs when your jaw is in the proper position to enable the muscles to fully relax. When your jaw is misaligned, it can lead to severe and debilitating problems. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) The most common problem addressed by neuromuscular dentists is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD occurs when the joint connecting your jaw to your skull is out of alignment. This disorder affects approximately 5-15% of Americans. It is easily correctible, but if left untreated, TMD can lead to debilitating pain and severe wear and tear on your mouth. The most common symptoms of TMD are: - Pain in your jaw - Locking of the jaw - Clicking or popping noises in your jaw - Headaches - Uneven bite - Teeth grinding - Difficulty chewing Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatments The primary goal of neuromuscular dentistry is to relieve your symptoms. In order to accomplish this, dentists use ULF-TENS technology to massage and relax your jaw muscles. By using a rhythmic pulsing method, ULF-TENS increases blood flow and aids in the release of waste products. It also increases the body's production of endorphins, which acts as a natural pain reliever. Once the pain and symptoms related to TMD have been addressed, your neuromuscular dentist can concentrate on correcting the problem so that the symptoms don't recur. The first step in this process is to stabilize your bite. This is accomplished using an orthotic, a temporary device worn over your teeth to correct your bite. Once your bite has been stabilized, your dentist can attempt to permanently correct the issue. There are several ways to permanently correct your bite. The most common are: - Coronoplasty - This involves a smoothing and reshaping of your teeth's enamel. This procedure is only effective when you have minimal jaw misalignment. - Removable overlay partials - These are permanent orthotics designed to fit over your back teeth. - Reconstruction - Crowns are used to make your teeth higher. This supports your jaw and realigns your bite. - Braces - In certain instances, your bite problems can be corrected with braces. Is Neuromuscular Dentistry Right for You? If you suffer from a problem with your jaw, you are an ideal candidate to be helped by neuromuscular dentistry. Frequently, these problems will cause severe neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches, masking the origin of the symptoms. About The Author: If you suffer from TMD or migraine headaches in the Chesapeake, Virginia area, please visit the website of Dr. Michael Folck today to schedule an initial consultation. |
Tags: HAMPTON TMD TREATMENT, HAMPTON TMJ, HAMPTON TMJ DENTIST, HAMPTON TMJ TREATMENT, HAMPTON TOOTH BLEACHING, HAMPTON TOOTH BONDING, HAMPTON TOOTH CROWN
