Neuromuscular Dentistry is the science of dentistry that evaluates the complex relationship between teeth, jaw joints, jaw muscles and the nerves that supply them.
Symptoms of Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- Headaches
- Neckaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Jaw pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Postural problems
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Tingling in the fingertips
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
Millions of people suffer from these sypmtoms without realizing that non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical cure is available. Neuromuscular dentistry helps to achieve a bite (occlusion) that is based on the optimal relationship between the mandible (lower jaw) and the skull. The goal is to relax the muscles controlling jaw position, to establish a true physiological rest position upon which treatment consideration is based. It also seeks to optimize upper body range of motion, strength, flexibility, blood flow to the brain,optimal alignment of C1 and C2 vertebrae ( Atlas and Axis) and improved airway.
TMJ/TMD
Temporo-Mandibular Disorder or TMD includes a variety of pain/dysfunction of the jaw joint, head and neck pain. The bite can be a factor in many pain and functional problems because of the inter-relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles and head posture, a problem in any one of the them could affect the other. These can include painful clicking or popping of the jaw joint, swallowing problems, excessive snoring or sleep apnea are a few.
As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Sahota gathers detail information from person’s history, physical examination of head, neck muscles and teeth and nerves. Non-invasive tests like electromyography, jaw joint sonography can be preformed to assess the muscles and conduct jaw tracking. CAT scans and MRIs are also indicated. Dr. Sahota also likes to collaborate with Physicians (ENT and Sleep Specialists), Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Osteopaths for comprehensive and collaborative diagnosis and treatment.
Serious consideration of all of the information acquired from your history, various scans and a physical examination on your teeth, head and neck, will indicate if your bite is a major contributing factor to your problem. If these tests show that your habitual bite is a probable cause of your pain, then Dr. Sahota will identify a jaw position that is natural to your bite using electromyography, computerized jaw tracking and joint sonography and an appropriate treatment is prescribed.
Neuromuscular Treatments
Bite adjustment (Occlusal equiliration)
This is a painless, conservative procedure that involves precisely and systematically adjusting the bite to optimum function and physiology. In these cases, the teeth have practically no wear and the problem is in a mild form or an early stage.
Phase 1 treatment: Removable Orthotic If the teeth are worn down, or the problem is moderate or severe form, the next step is to make a customized orthotic that will help you correct your bite. An orthotic is a custom made appliance fabricated of plastic that can be worn over or fixed to teeth to maintain the neuro-muscular derived position. At this point nothing is done to permanently alter the bite. This appliance is worn for a prescribed period of time to verify that this new position solves or reduces the problem. Dr. Sahota closely monitors the progress. If the symptoms are not substantially alleviated, the bite is more likely not the cause and other causes are explored.
Phase 2 treatment : Orthodontics or Bite Reconstruction If there is significant relief, then teeth can be moved orthodontically or changed restoratively to the comfortable position. Please read more about the Myomonitor, Electromyography, Sonography in the technology section of our website.
