Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry is the proper movement of both the hard and soft tissues of the patient's jaw in order to create the optimal bite position for that person. Many people suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) which is the misalignment of the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint. At Advanced Smile Designs, Aptos Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Forsberg's Santa Cruz County, CA dental practice, we treat our patients who suffer from neuromuscular problems so that they can return to healthy, symptom free lives without suffering from malocclusion (misaligned bite).

It is unfortunate that many sufferers are not even aware they have TMJ issues and blame their symptoms on unrelated health problems. While their symptomatic signs are treated, the underlying neuromuscular condition is overlooked, so they must continue to suffer.

TMD is a recognized medical and dental condition. In some situations, a patient's medical insurance may cover part or all of the costs associated with the treatment of TMJ / TMD dysfunction. Our patient concierge, Dixie, can work with you to obtain a pre-estimate of what your medical and/or dental benefits may cover prior to treatment, and work with your insurance company or third-party dental financing to ensure you can afford the treatment you need.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Training

The leading post-graduate dental school in the United States for treatment of TMD is the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). At LVI, Terry W. Forsberg, DDS, gained specialized training that affords him the skills and knowledge to detect and treat the signs and symptoms of TMD.

Neuromuscular dentistry treats all of the areas affected by TMD including:

• Teeth
• Mouth
• Jaw joints
• Oral muscles
• Facial muscles
• Neck muscles
• Upper back muscles

Neuromuscular Dentistry and Diagnosing Symptoms

Using the latest neuromuscular dentistry technology available in the field today, Dr. Forsberg is able to determine the optimal position for your jaw and to begin treating your condition and relieving your pain. Sonograms, electromyograms and computerized mandibular (jaw) scans are all used to measure the activity of the patient's jaw and facial muscles.

The use of this computerized equipment allows Dr. Forsberg to record your jaw's path of movement, its proper resting position, its closure and all other movements. He can also measure the overall function of your jaw muscles in both relaxed and stressed positions. Any structural imbalances between your jaw and your skull will also be detected, as well as the noises made by your jaw while it is in motion.

A TENS Unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) may also be used to relieve tension, spasms and pain in your jaw and facial muscles in order to allow your jaw to relax so that your discomfort is relieved.

Your facial muscles provide the power that controls the movements of your mouth. Your nerves control the function and feeling in those muscles. When any muscle or nerve is not functioning properly, they can cause pain often in the form of daily headaches. Most tension headaches are related to a misaligned bite. Other signs of TMD are dizziness, ear ringing, pressure under your eyes, neck pain and ear congestion.

If you or someone you love may be suffering from neuromuscular problems including migraines, headaches, jaw pain, or jaw popping, it is important that you consult with Terry W. Forsberg, DDS, Aptos, CA. neuromuscular dentist today. Set up a neuromuscular dentistry consultation today if you are in Santa Cruz County.