Neuromuscular Dentist
In Hedgesville, Serving Martinsburg, Hagerstown, Frederick, And Surrounding Areas
Neuromuscular dentistry differs from "traditional" dentistry in the emphasis that is placed upon the activity of the muscles that move the jaw. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the position of the jaw joint.
Neuromuscular dentistry recognizes that the muscles that move the jaw must be in a comfortable, relaxed position in order to not conflict with your temporomandibular joint.
Common symptoms that occur when teeth, jaws and muscles are not in alignment include:
- Headaches
- Loose teeth
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth or fillings
- Clenching or grinding
- Ditched root grooves
- Pain or clicking and popping in joints
- Shoulder, neck, and back pain
- Numbness in arms and fingers
- Pain behind the eyes
- Facial pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain and sensitivity in teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Receding gums
- Ringing or congestion in the ears
We utilize a number of sophisticated instruments in our practice to find the position of the jaw where the jaws, teeth, and muscles operate in harmony.
We use a device called the T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) to relax the muscles. It is a low frequency unit which delivers a mild electrical impulse to the muscles that move the jaw. The rhythmic pulsing (once every 1.5 seconds) relaxes the muscles. In addition to relaxing the muscles, it sets up ideal muscle function by increasing blood flow, and flushing out toxins. We often find that after 45 minutes of stimulation, the muscles are in their ideal position.
At this point we utilize the K-7, our computerized diagnostic equipment to record
this position and transfer it to casts or models of your teeth. The Computerized Mandibular Scanning Unit utilizes a magnet placed in front of your lower front teeth and a sensor array to measure and record this ideal position in three dimensions.
The Eight Channel Electro-myograph is used to verify that this new position results in decreased muscle activity. Muscle activity is measured by recording the amount of electrical activity in individual muscles.
TMJ/TMD symptoms often go unrecognized
Headaches are the most common problem associated with TMJ/TMD, and are often misdiagnosed as migraines. Other symptoms, such as neck and shoulder pain or numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers are even more elusive. People often suffer with TMJ/TMD symptoms for years never knowing the cause.
Learn more about TMJ/TMD treatment in Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland; and Hedgesville and Martinsburg, West Virginia; by reading our question page and viewing our before and after gallery, or contact us today for your free initial consultation.
KENNETH C. BARNEY, D.D.S.
PO Box 297, 101 N. Mary St.
Hedgesville, WV 25427-0297
(304) 754-8803
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