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Dr. Steven Lind, DMD
PH. 503-566-7000
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How Does Neuromuscular Differ from General and Cosmetic Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that concerns itself with the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and related conditions. The temporomandibular joints – located where the jaw connects to the skull – are highly complex. TMD occurs when one or both of these joints get out of alignment. You may have TMD if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Pain in the shoulders, neck, or back muscles
- Numbness in hands or fingertips
- Migraines or other tension headaches
- Locked jaws
- Tinnitus
- Pain inside the ear
- Grinding, crunching, clicking or popping sounds when the jaw is in motion
- Ears that feel muffled or clogged
- Dizziness
- Bite problems or shifting bite
Determining whether you have TMD is the easy part. Pinpointing the cause and how best to treat the disorder is more difficult. The causes of TMD are numerous. Finding a qualified neuromuscular dentist trained in the latest techniques and technologies will be necessary in order to eliminate the often painful, debilitating effects of the disorder.
Aside from the pain that TMD can cause, the disorder can lead to serious damage to your otherwise healthy teeth. A misaligned bite can lead to uneven and unnecessary wear on teeth. If your bite is severely misaligned, this may affect what you choose to eat, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Chronic teeth grinding (both a cause and effect of TMD) can cause severe tooth damage. Patients who grind their teeth are often advised to undergo neuromuscular treatment before choosing cosmetic treatments since many cosmetic treatments – porcelain veneers and crowns in particular – will not withstand the added physical stress that results from teeth grinding.
Neuromuscular dentists receive years of additional training beyond general dental school. In other words, not all general dentists or cosmetic dentists are neuromuscular dentists as well. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, then a consultation with a qualified neuromuscular dentist is strongly encouraged. If you live in the Portland area, please contact The Art of Smile Making today to arrange a complimentary consultation.
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