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Detailed Diagnosis of TMD
The neuromuscular dentist includes the muscles, nerves, joints, teeth and all the supporting structures of the mouth in a thorough
evaluation and diagnosis. Recent advances in technology have allowed us to measure more accurately the most comfortable position for the jaws, and then to treat the patient to achieve this position.
History and Examinations:
A thorough medical and dental history is important with treating TMD as with any other medical disorder. Radiographic examination of
the region, muscle palpation, posture analysis and photographs are commonly part of the preliminaries used in diagnosing joint disorders. Additionally and very importantly, the neuromuscular dentist goes a
step further and uses computerized technology to accurately measure the patient.
Sonography
Sonography accurately measures joint sounds, even those not readily heard by the human ear.
These measurements help diagnose the quality, quantity and location of sound during movement, indicating the amount of clicking, popping, grinding and grating taking place in the joint. These sounds are measured where they occur in the opening and closing of the joint, and they can be analyzed with respect to their sound frequency which allows evaluation of joint and ligament damage.
Electromyography
An eight-channel electromyograph is used to measure the electrical activity in the muscles of mastication. This measures the ability of the
muscles to function adequately and to be calm when they are at rest. The EMG's are also used to verify that the new measured position of the jaws is comfortable for the patient.
Computerized Jaw Tracking
The computer and the Sensoray allow us to accurately measure how the jaws function in three dimensions. This includes full range of
motion, velocity and the rest position of the mandible before and after TENS relaxation, the most relaxed range and the best position of the jaw for optimum muscle function. Jaw tracking helps position the
teeth so the joints and muscles are most comfortable.
TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation
This is the most important factor in Neuromuscular
Dentistry. We utilize a device called a Myo-Monitor to relax the muscles.
It is a ultra low frequency TENS unit which delivers a mild electrical impulse to the muscles, which relaxes the muscles, increases blood flow to the muscles, and helps remove toxins. The resulting relaxed muscles can then reflect their ideal length and position.
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