What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Female rubbing her temples to ease her headache

Have you been suffering from jaw pain or facial discomfort so long that you’ve had enough?

You could have a disorder called Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), also known as TMD.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research…Click to read more in a new window…, as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint or TMD – Temporomandibular Disorder, is a condition in the jaw, connected muscles, and ligaments. Many factors can cause this problem, from arthritis to stress.

It can affect your daily life with:

  • Chronic facial pain
  • Earaches
  • Headaches
  • General mood and enjoyment of life

What Causes TMJ?

TMJ can be a lifelong condition, can be caused by a gradual process or sudden trauma. It could be from a single issue or a combination of problems.

Some of the causes may include the following:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth habitually
  • Dislocation of the joint
  • Arthritis in the TMJ
  • Stress from work or life
  • Acute trauma to the bone or joint
  • An improper bite

Now that we understand what could be causing the pain; let’s see how neuromuscular dentistry can help.

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is a branch that focuses on the relationship between the jaw muscles, nerves, and the bite (occlusion) of the teeth.

Neuromuscular dentists use advanced technology to measure and analyze the position of the jaw and muscles and use this information to create a customized treatment plan to alleviate pain and discomfort and improve the function and aesthetics of the bite.

How can this treat TMJ?

The first step in treating TMJ with neuromuscular dentistry is to diagnose the condition using advanced technology such as a TENS unit or EMG.

These devices can measure the jaw muscles’ activity and the jaw’s position, allowing the dentist to identify any muscle imbalances or bite problems contributing to the disorder.

Once the underlying causes of TMJ have been identified, Dr. Duncan will create a customized treatment plan to address them.

This may include the use of the following:

  • Orthotic devices such as a splint or bite guard can reposition the jaw and alleviate muscle tension.
  • Orthodontics may be used to correct the misalignment of the bite.
  • Adjustment or replacement of dental restorations can improve the function of the bite.
  • In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used.

Final thoughts

It’s important to note that while neuromuscular dentistry can effectively treat TMJ, it’s best to see a trained dentist in this field, as some dentists might have different levels of knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Duncan is uniquely qualified for your neuromuscular therapy, and here’s why:

He has distinguished himself from his peers by improving his education, training, and skills to provide his patients with advanced dentistry solutions.

He has completed thousands of hours of postdoctoral education focusing on head, neck, and facial pain treatment.

You can discover more information about neuromuscular dentistry in Kennesaw, GA, by visiting our webpage or calling us today.

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Our office is conveniently located in Kennesaw, GA. We happily welcome patients from all over, including Marietta, Acworth, Woodstock, Fair Oaks, Northeast Cobb, Emerson, Cartersville, Dallas, and Powder Springs, GA.

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