When you hear the term “neuromuscular dentistry,” what do you think of? Certainly, you are familiar with the basics of how dentistry works, but what about the neuromuscular part? What does it mean, and what should you know about this aspect of oral care? In this blog post, you will learn four key facts about neuromuscular dentistry.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Takes a Comprehensive Approach
Neuromuscular is a word that describes things related to both the nerves and muscles. When used in dentistry, it refers to a care philosophy that views the teeth, jaw joints, and the surrounding muscles as part of a complex system. Treating the system as a whole, rather than focusing on its individual parts, is essential in order to optimize treatment outcomes for patients.
Neuromuscular dentists study how these parts work together so they can provide effective care for TMJ disorder (TMD) and other conditions that affect the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Focuses on Bite Alignment and Systemic Harmony
Your teeth and jaws should be well-aligned. Even small discrepancies in how they work together could lead to muscular discomfort and functional problems. The greater the misalignment, the higher the risk of issues like airway problems, persistent pain, chewing difficulties, and speech problems.
A neuromuscular dentist understands the nuances of how the teeth and jaws work and uses various techniques to bring them into harmony with one another.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Employs Advanced Technology
Neuromuscular dentists rely heavily on technology to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. For example, they may use advanced diagnostic tools that provide an electronic measurement of jaw movement. This can help to identify abnormalities in muscle function that may need to be addressed. In turn, this can enable the dentist to determine the best course of treatment in any given case.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Provide Long-Lasting Practical Benefits
TMD is a complex condition. If it does not receive proper treatment, it can cause ongoing pain and may even lead to permanent damage in the jaw joint. Neuromuscular dentists understand just how serious TMD is, so their goal is to address its primary causes, leading to both short-term pain relief and long-term benefits. For example, they may make minor adjustments to the chewing surfaces of teeth so a patient’s bite can work more harmoniously.
Neuromuscular dentistry is highly beneficial! If you have questions about how it works, talk to a qualified care provider.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Heng Lim is an experienced neuromuscular dentist who is proud to serve the Owasso community. He combines his extensive knowledge with advanced technology to promote the oral and overall health of our patients. If you are curious about neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Lim and our team would be pleased to consult with you. Contact Life Smiles of Owasso at 918-274-3779.