Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry sounds complicated, and to be honest, it is quite involved. However, our training and tools allow us to provide neuromuscular therapies that can alleviate a long list of nagging, chronic symptoms, including:
- Migraines or headaches
- Crowded or loose teeth
- Clenching and grinding
- Wear or notches at the gum line
- Pain in shoulders, neck, back, behind the eyes, and in teeth
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Receding gums
- Earaches
How We Assess Neuromuscular Dysfunction
Traditional dentistry addresses concerns with teeth, not muscles. However, scientific developments have revealed that some problems and pain associated with the teeth, face, and surrounding structures may be caused by improper function of muscles and nerves. The jaw position may not be affected by teeth’s position, but the reverse is not true. Teeth can be affected by improper jaw position.
Our initial step in assessing a patient for neuromuscular problems involves use of a low-frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, or TENS, unit. By delivering small electrical impulses to the muscles responsible for jaw movement, the TENS unit relaxes jaw muscles. This results in increased blood flow to flush toxins from the area. After just less than an hour, the relaxed jaw muscles find ideal positioning.
Next, we diagnose the problem with our K-7 computerized mandibular scanning unit, which records proper alignment of the jaw and creates digital models of the teeth. With a magnet and sensor, the K-7 can develop 3D images of the patient’s jaw and mouth. The K-7 also has an electro-myograph to measure electrical activity in the muscles. This allows us to determine whether the jaw’s ideal position decreases muscle activity. Another tool within the K-7 is a sonograph, which measures sounds in the jaw joint. This information tells us if the patient’s jaw joint is damaged and to what extent.
Therapy Options
If the information we gather shows that a patient has improper jaw alignment, we will begin conservative therapy by creating a custom orthotic appliance to hold the patient’s jaw in proper alignment. The patient will wear the orthotic for three months to stabilize the bite. We can then determine whether the orthotic alleviated symptoms and if further therapy is necessary. A patient may need no more therapy, or he may wear the orthotic as maintenance for the rest of his life. Orthodontics, restoration of tooth arches, or bite adjustment may also be advised.
If you’ve considered improving your smile, but have never taken that first step, now is the time! Review the broad spectrum of restorative and cosmetic dentistry options with a dental expert. At Dr. Howard M. Steinberg's Tucson office, we restore, renew, and enhance smiles until they are truly works of art. Contact us to schedule your free consultation. You'll never regret the decision to achieve enhanced dental function and beauty.
Tucson, AZ 85712
