Neuromuscular DentistrySanta Clara, CA

Services in Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the underlying cause of a problem, whether it affects the jaw joint, muscle, or tooth position. The dentist will develop a treatment plan to correct bite anomalies and restore the optimal positions of the jaw. Some of the services provided include:

TMJ/TMD treatment

To treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, the dentist will first try to detect the cause of the pain – arthritis of the joint, aftermath of an injury or bite misalignment. Knowing the answer will help the dental profession determine the proper solution. With a scanning unit, the dentist will determine the perfect position for the jaw and try to achieve this through different non-invasive treatments such as bite splint or custom-made orthotic. Correcting TMJ disorder can help to improve sleep quality and general wellbeing.

Sleep apnea treatment

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for several seconds while sleeping – with several episodes happening in one night. This triggers a brief unconscious wake-up to resume breathing, often causing the person to gasp for air. Most patients affected by the condition are not aware, so the condition often goes untreated. Snoring is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea.

We will conduct an examination to know if the patient is eligible for an oral appliance. They can accurately determine where airflow is the best and determine jaw position to create a high-precision and personalized oral appliance. The device creates room in the air passages by moving the jaw.

Oral appliance therapy

An oral appliance is a dental device worn over the upper and lower teeth, especially during sleep. As a cosmetic dentist, we can help ensure this device fits properly. Although there are different types of oral appliances, almost all are categorized as Mandibular Advancement Devices, which work by stabilizing or moving the jaw slightly forward to put the jaw, tongue, and throat in optimal positions throughout sleep. The oral appliance is more effective if it is custom-made and designed for the patient's oral cavity and the jaw's protrusion limit.

Snoring treatment

Snoring happens when the airflow from the mouth or nose to the lungs causes the throat tissues to vibrate during sleep. This causes a loud, raspy noise. Snoring is often the side effect of sleep apnea or other health or structural issues. The dentist will consider the patient's medical history, oral structures, and symptoms to make a diagnosis. Depending on the dentist's findings, they will recommend the appropriate treatment option and lifestyle changes to alleviate the condition.

Facial pain management

Dentists who specialize in neuromuscular dentistry can also treat oral and facial pain conditions. Conditions such as chronic headaches, jaw disorders, teeth grinding, and breathing issues can cause facial pain. Patients who are experiencing facial pain can book an appointment for a consultation. The dentist will develop a treatment plan to manage the pain and treat the condition causing the discomfort.

Botox

Botox is a popular skin rejuvenation procedure, but it is also applicable in neuromuscular dentistry. Patients suffering from TMJ disorder can get relief through Botox cosmetic injections. It can also relieve chronic jaw and facial pain caused by jaw clenching and teeth grinding. The dentist will first determine if the patient is eligible for the treatment. Afterward, they will inject specific muscles to induce relaxation and relieve symptoms.