Franklin, TN
You may never have heard of neuromuscular dentistry. However, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, this medical professional can help you find lasting relief. Read on to learn more about this field, and the value of seeing a neuromuscular dentist in Franklin.
What is neuromuscular dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialization of dental science. In order to practice neuromuscular dentistry, a dentist must complete extensive post-graduate education rigorous training. This work has the same central focus: learning about finding, or restoring, harmony between the head, neck, and jaws joints. This includes ensuring the proper alignment of the bite, which helps to bring the entire orofacial system into a state of harmonious balance.
Neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ disorder
This training also makes a neuromuscular dentist the ideal medical professional to correctly identify and treat a case of temporomandibular joint disorder. Also known as TMJ disorder or TMD, this ailment occurs when the temporomandibular joint–a small, round joint that connects the jaw to the skull on either side of your head–enters a state of dysfunction.
Successfully identifying a case of TMJ disorder is one of the most significant diagnostic challenges in all of medical science. For example, this disorder often produces painful headaches that can be mistaken for migraines. If you seek treatment for these migraines, but the root cause of your headaches is TMJ disorder, then even the most powerful migraine remedies available only will treat the intensity of the headaches, but do nothing to minimize how often they occur. Learn more about TMJ headaches, and how TMJ headaches can be mistaken for migraines.
Find out more about the disorder, and some frequently asked questions about TMJ disorder. You can also review a list of symptoms of TMJ disorder.
The tools of the trade
A well-trained neuromuscular dentist employs a variety of different technologies to treat patients.
Some of the technology used at Lee Palmer, DDS includes:
- Electromyography (EMG): This evaluates and records the electrical activity in muscle tissue. This helps to assess the health of the muscle tissue and nerve cells in your face and head.
- Mandibular tracking: By viewing the movements of the jaws, be they up and down or from side to side, can identify any malfunctions or restrictions in the way your jaws move. This can serve as a crucial identifying point in determining the root cause of a case of TMJ disorder.
- TENS: This treatment–the full name is transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation–is a popular method used throughout the medical world to relax overly tense muscles. Low-frequency electrical impulses are delivered to the target area. This eases the tension in aggravated muscles. Your neuromuscular dentist also uses TENS to make jaw muscles contract, and use the information to determine the optimum resting positions for your jaws.
Does a neuromuscular dentist only treat TMJ disorder?
Not at all! When you choose to see a neuromuscular dentist in Leipers Fork, that practitioner can apply the principles of neuromuscular dentistry to a variety of different dental procedures and treatments.
An example:
- Dentures – Dentures are a tried and true method of restorative dentistry, used for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. If you need dentures, Dr. Palmer can construct your dentures according to neuromuscular principles. That means studying your bite to detect the optimal alignment, and then fabricating the dentures from those dimensions.
Neuromuscular dentistry in Franklin, Leipers Fork and Thompson Station in Tennessee
If you choose a neuromuscular dentist to care for your family, you can be confident your family’s care will be overseen by a well-trained, highly-educated, eminently qualified medical professional. And, if you or a member of your family suffers from TMJ disorder, a neuromuscular dentist is your best option for both diagnosis and treatment. Remember that TMJ disorder is a serious medical condition that, without proper treatment, only will get worse over time.
Dr. Lee Palmer has studied the principles and procedures of neuromuscular dentistry and continues to remain up to speed on the discipline through continuing education. He is committed to providing the highest level of care to all patients. To find out more about neuromuscular dentistry or any of the other services offered at Lee Palmer, DDS, call (615) 794-0756 or visit us online to schedule a consultation.