Why See a Neuromuscular Dentist?

San Antonio, Texas

Goals of neuromuscular dentistry

A neuromuscular dentist focuses on the muscles that allow your jaw to move. This field of dentistry is based on the understanding that these muscles must be in a relaxed position to avoid tension with the teeth. Therefore, the number one goal is to find the ideal, relaxed position of your jaw joint and muscles, and then train your jaw to achieve that position at all times.

 

What it can do for you

Neuromuscular dentistry can help alleviate symptoms such as neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches, jaw pain and tinnitus or ringing in your ears. If you are experiencing these symptoms, or suffer from unexplained migraines, or pain and popping and grinding in your jaw, you should see a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Brian Hale.

A neuromuscular dentist utilizes advanced technology to record your jaw movements and to identify its ideal resting position.

Neuromuscular dentists use the following treatment procedures:

• Sonography: this records jaw sounds. Jaw sound recordings help neuromuscular dentists determine the type of sound in your jaw joint, and the location. Clicking, grinding, popping, grating and scraping sounds may be identified to isolate particular problems with the function of your jaw joint.

• Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS): by stimulating the jaw muscles using this method, lactic acid is flushed out and your muscles will be infused with fresh blood and oxygen. This allows your muscles to relax.
• Electromyography: this is a technical monitoring of the tension in your muscle. Electromyography allows us to record your chewing muscles and measure your bite to see if there is an imbalance.

If you are diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)

If a neuromuscular dentist does diagnose you with TMJ, there is hope. For many people, the symptoms do not last indefinitely. They may come and go, or only remain for a certain period of time.

Here are some popular methods for correcting the bite. Other methods can be discussed during your initial consultation.

• Physical therapy:  by relaxing your muscles with the TENS machine and properly positioning your jaw, many TMJ-related problems can be cured with no surgery and little medication.
• Coronoplasty: with this procedure, Dr. Hale will reshape the enamel of your teeth in order to correct your bite.
• Restructuring: in this procedure, you teeth will be raised using crowns and/or veneers. The result will be a realigned bite and more jaw support.
• Orthodontics: your teeth will slowly move into their ideal position using brackets and wires.

Neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale can help identify and correct your bite problem so you can live with a dazzling, pain-free smile. If you live in the San Antonio area, please schedule a neuromuscular consultation today.