Neuromuscular Dentistry
Do you experience headaches, neck and shoulder pain, teeth grinding or jaw pain? Does your jaw make clicking noises while chewing or do you find your bite misaligned? These are common symptoms for a condition known as TMJ (TemporoMandibular Joint) Disorder. Several of our Urban Smiles dental experts have received specialty training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI) to diagnose and effectively treat the painful symptoms of TMJ Disorder.
The comprehensive neuromuscular dentistry diagnosis and treatment that we offer at Urban Smiles allows us to relieve the muscle spasm and pain that you are experiencing, to stabilize your bite, and to address long-term management of your TMJ symptoms.
Ask for Dr. Rachel Staples for more information about Neuromuscular Dentistry for jaw problems or click here to set up a consultation.
What is TMJ and TMD?
The way your upper and lower teeth come together (your occlusion) is part of a system of muscles, teeth and joints that makes up the Temporomandibular Joint Complex (TMJ).
If your teeth do not fit together properly your bite is misaligned – and your muscles and joints must accommodate this to bring your teeth together. This can often lead to overworked muscles and very painful conditions.
Often, TMJ issues can result in severe, debilitating headaches from clenching or grinding – typically while sleeping.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
What can I expect for TMD Treatment?
At Urban Smiles Colwood we utilize computerized software to analyze the muscles and joints (neuromuscular system) that may be associated with your pain. These diagnostics help us to address the long-term management of your temporomandibular (TMJ) jaw joint disorder (TMD).
The dentists at Urban Smiles Colwood will seek to establish harmonious jaw position while considering three main factors affecting your bite: teeth, muscles and jaw joints. The new jaw position, in a relaxed state, is called the neuromuscular bite.
To help achieve a neuromuscular bite your dentist will use a Myomonitor to deliver a gentle electrical stimulation to your muscles, delivered through adhesive patch electrodes that are attached to specific nerves that control muscle groups. A virtually painless stimulus will cause your muscles to twitch or pulse once every 1.5 seconds. After 45-60 minutes, the muscles will become fully relaxed, overcoming their programming.
If TMD is indicated, we can create a custom mouthguard that will help to align your teeth and jaw at night, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches, and often eliminating them altogether.
Bell’s Palsy
Learn MoreElements of neuromuscular dentistry can be successful in managing some symptoms of Bell’s Palsy.
Success is dependent on such factors as the severity and progress of the disease.
Please contact Dr. Rachel Staples immediately if you begin to suffer the signs of Bells Palsy.
We will perform an emergency consultation to determine if neuromuscular dentistry could be a beneficial treatment option for you