| |
Headache Treatment and
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Attention Headache Sufferers!
Do you suffer from headaches, neck or shoulder pain, facial pain or limited jaw opening? It is possible these problems may be caused by an abnormal bite. While headaches are typically treated by your physician, an improper bite may play a significant role in certain types of headaches as well as other head and neck pain. New technology allows a "neuromuscular dentist" to objectively assess the state of head and neck muscles and other factors that may be affecting your bite.
 The science of neuromuscular dentistry evaluates and treats your overall oral health by considering how your muscles, teeth and joints all work together. Although you may not realize it, muscles play an important role in dentistry. Traditional dentistry is based on mechanical concepts that do not aim to relax the muscles of the head that are involved in jaw position, chewing and swallowing. Your jaw positioning muscles may be tense and over-worked holding your jaw in your present, "programmed" position, even when you think you are relaxed. Such problems as head and neck pain, jaw joint problems, worn, fractured or loose teeth are often associated with muscle imbalances. Neuromuscular dentistry places the "bite" where the muscles that control jaw position are at their best for optimal comfort and function. With its use of computerized equipment it can investigate whether your jaw position (or bite) is correct. Using the computer we can determine precisely where the muscles are holding your jaw and how active the muscles are. We can then determine if your bite needs to be altered to a better position to allow the muscles to truly relax and for you to function optimally and with comfort.
Neuromuscular dentistry techniques are used to treat patients who are suffering from TMJ symptoms (clicking or popping jaws, sore jaw joints, headaches, etc.) and also to establish a correct bite position if you are considering aesthetic/cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry. After neuromuscular treatment your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints should work together without stress or strain. Headaches and other symptoms are often reduced or eliminated. As an additional benefit, facial lines are often eased due to the new muscle balance.
Computerized neuromuscular tests are non-invasive and painless. Once the information is gathered and analyzed, Dr. Roberts uses treatment involving reshaping the teeth, orthotic devices, or rebuilding teeth with crowns, onlays and veneers to correct the problem.
Symptoms of TMJ problems may include: headaches, face, neck or back pain, pain in the jaw joints, clicking or popping jaw joints, toothaches, clenching or grinding of the teeth, hearing and ear problems, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the fingers, sleep problems, and chipped, worn, or unexplained loose teeth.
Back to Our Services
|
|
