Neuromuscular Dentistry | ArticlesBase.com
Neuromuscular dentistry is the branch of dentistry that treats issues with the muscles, jaw bones/joints, and tendons, and their collaborative relationship with teeth and gums. Its main focus is in treating misalignment of the jaw and temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
TMD/TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) encompass all disorders in your TMJ. Neuromuscular dentistry is the science of diagnosing and treating these disorders. Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Headaches/migraines
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Jaw pain
- Sinus and ear infections/aches
Jaw misalignment is also related to postural instability, leading to a host of problems from decreased energy, to blocked airways, and imbalance.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatments
Special training and additional education are required for a dentist to treat neuromuscular disorders. Specially trained dentists have at their disposal a number of options to treat neuromuscular disorders including:
- Orthodontic devices like Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM). PPM is a custom-fitted mouthguard used to realign the jaw. Using a special machine, each movement of your jaw is tracked and recorded, allowing an experienced neuromuscular dentist to shape and fit the mouthguard in a way that assures proper alignment of your jaw. Over time, this mouthguard can realign your jaw permanently.
- Full mouth restoration combines several aspects of dentistry, from cosmetic, to neuromuscular, to radically reshape your smile. In instances where a mouthguard alone will not correct the misalignment, full mouth restoration may be the option best suited to your needs. From reshaping teeth and gums, to adding crowns and/or implants, full mouth restoration combines the most effective forms of dentistry to ensure all of your problems are addressed.
An experienced neuromuscular dentist will best be able to determine what treatment will most suit your particular needs.
The Dangers of Untreated TMD
When your jaw is misaligned, the potential for pain and discomfort increases substantially. Additionally, problems chewing, speaking, or limited movement of the jaw can impact you in almost every aspect of your life. Postural issues related to a misaligned jaw can cause restricted oxygen flow to vital organs, robbing them of nutrients, and thereby decreasing energy, and stamina. Whats more, postural issues impact balance and poise, turning a dental issue into a much larger, whole-body issue. With the combination of pain, discomfort, and limited functionality, your whole life can be negatively impacted if you do not have your TMD treated.
About the Author:
If you live in or around Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and are experiencing the pain and discomfort of TMD, please contact experienced neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Terry Bass, for a neuromuscular evaluation, and review of your treatment options.
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