TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Dr. Michael Carpenter, your dentist in Napoleon, is able to offer relief from pain to his patients through neuromuscular dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry is the art and science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw into an optimal physiologic position. Thirty years of research and clinical experience have shown this technique effective in treating patients with various levels of head and neck pain. It is also used in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of restorations and natural dentition.

Signs and Symptoms

If you are one of our Napoleon or Defiance patients you may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:

• Headaches or migraines
• Unexplained loose teeth
• Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
• Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations
• Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
• Pain in teeth that seems to move around
• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Facial pain
• Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
• Limited movement or locking jaw
• Numbness in your fingers and arms
• Congestion or stuffiness of the ears

Dr. Carpenter is highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular problems in a patient with malocclusion, or a bite that feels off. First, Dr. Carpenter will conduct a thorough exam of your bite, using the Myotronics K7 and a TENS unit. The Myotronics K7 is a computerized EMG diagnostic tool that tracks the position of your jaw both at rest and in motion. The TENS unit stimulates your jaw with low frequency pulses to help the muscle find its most relaxed state. In combination, these two systems help Dr. Carpenter determine the most optimal position for your jaw.

If you are diagnosed with malocclusion, Dr. Carpenter will recommend a treatment plan that will correct your bite and alleviate pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms we encourage you to call Dental Excellence of Napoleon for a consultation. Start enjoying a pain-free life again.

Full Mouth Rejuvenation

Full mouth rejuvenation is the complete restoration and rehabilitation of the mouth. This special treatment blends the science of neuromuscular dentistry with the artistry of aesthetic dentistry to create smiles that are functionally sound, physically healthy and visually appealing.

When a person's jaw is not aligned correctly, the bite is not in its most healthy, optimal position. This is known as malocclusion. As a result, teeth can wear unevenly, chip or break. Older restorations, including fillings and caps, can be damaged. Malocclusion also can cause a variety of annoying and painful problems, from headaches to discomfort when chewing.

The result is an unattractive smile that adds years to your appearance, decreases your self-esteem, affects your overall wellness and nutrition and causes you to experience other health issues.

Full mouth rejuvenation completely restores your smile to comfort, health and beauty.