What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular Dentistry is the science of dentistry that embodies accepted scientific principles of patho-physiology, anatomy, form and function. NMD objectively evaluates the complex relationship between teeth, temporomandibular joints and the masticatory muscles in order to achieve an occlusion that is based on the optimal relationship between the mandible and the skull -- Neuromuscular Occlusion. The goal of the Neuromuscular Dentist is to relax the muscles controlling jaw position to establish a true physiological rest position upon which treatment considerations are based.
In summary, NMD is the science of occlusion encompassing not only the teeth, but the objective evaluation of the status and function of the jaw muscles and joints -- before, during and after treatment -- to achieve the optimal result.
HEADACHES – THE DENTAL CONNECTION
Most people don't think to mention headaches to their dentists. Yet, muscle-contraction (tension) headache is the most common form of headache. It typically results in pain on both sides of the forehead and sometimes in the neck as well. The temporalis muscle, located in the forehead and to some extent around behind the ear, is the muscle group that postures your jaw. Experts estimate that 75 percent of all headaches are caused by muscle tension, which may be related to the bite (Academy of General Dentistry www.agd.org). Simply stated, if your forehead muscles have to work overtime to properly align your bite, they may go into spasm which in turn leads to poor oxygenation of the muscle, retention of by-products of metabolism, and - ultimately -pain.
There are many possible causes of headache. The Neuromuscular Dentist is trained and equipped to diagnose and treat headache of muscle tension origin. Non-invasive tests can establish whether or not muscle tension may be the cause of your headaches and whether dental treatment might resolve your headache problem. If you suffer more than an occasional headache or frequently take medication for headache pain, it is well worthwhile to talk to a Neuromuscular Dentist about it.
SYMPTOM SELF-QUIZ
Following are a few of the more common symptoms that may possibly be associated with your bite. If you have one or more of them, a visit to a dentist with special training in this field can rule in or rule out malocclusion (bad bite) as a cause.
- Headache
- TMJ Pain
- TMJ Noise
- Limited Opening
- Ear Congestion
- Facial Pain
- Jaw Clenching
- Teeth Grinding
- Sensitive Teeth
- Dizziness
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Ringing In the Ears
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
What Is TENS?
(Transcutaneous electrical Neural Stimulation)
Neuromuscular Dentistry begins with the true relaxation of the muscles through the use of TENS. TENS is a widely used term, but as used in Neuromuscular Dentistry it is more properly called ultra-low frequency electrical muscle stimulation. This safe, battery operated device delivers a mild electrical stimulus to the muscles via neural pathways. The stimulus induces involuntary contraction of the muscles controlled by the facial (7th) and masticatory (5th) cranial nerves.
Why is Evaluation of Physiologic Function Important?
The state of the teeth and the joints very often cause the muscles to accommodate. Evaluation of the hard tissue alone does not provide insight to the true status of the occlusal system. This is why the Neuromuscular Dentist uses objective, scientific documentation methods in the comprehensive evaluation of occlusion. Through the use of jaw tracking, and electromyography a complete analysis of the function (or dysfunction) of the masticatory system is accomplished.
Dr. Schmid and his staff would like to help eliminate your pain so you may resume a healthier and happier lifestyle. |
