San Francisco Neuromuscular Dentistry

In San Francisco, neuromuscular dentistry involves state-of-the-art technology and cutting edge intervention techniques. Designed to focus on the movement and alignment of the jaw rather than simply emphasizing the positioning of the teeth, this innovative field is integral to the treatment of conditions such as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). It is also a critical component of many cosmetic dentistry practices.

A Multi-Modal Treatment Approach

TMD affects millions of people each year. This set of disorders is characterized by a host of different symptoms including headaches, earaches, back pain, and swelling along the jaw line. Although the causes of TMD are not well understood, there is a variety of different treatment approaches designed to provide relief for pain symptoms.

Whereas traditional approaches emphasize the positioning of the teeth and jaw joint, neuromuscular dentistry recognizes that the supporting musculature is an equally important treatment target. It's a broader treatment approach that emphasizes muscle function as well as joint function in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. Thus, patients get a comprehensive assessment that analyzes the position and movement of the jaw.

Many treatments involve efforts to relax the muscles in the jaw, either through exercises that the patient is asked to practice or through electrical stimulation with a special monitoring machine. By relaxing the muscles and creating better harmony between the joints, teeth, and muscles, neuromuscular dentists can treat a variety of TMD-related conditions. If you're concerned about TMD, talking to your dentist should be your first step.