Virginia Beach Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMJ Therapy
Headaches. Migraines. Facial Pain.
Sound familiar? These symptoms may stem from a neuromuscular misalignment. Because the head, neck, and teeth are all
interrelated, problems originating in the lower jaw and jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), can cause a
variety of issues in other areas. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on alleviating distress in these structures to
provide relief from a number of symptoms including:
- Headaches or migraines
- Clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism)
- Receding gums
- Crowded or loose teeth
- Wear or notches at the gum line
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Pain in shoulders, neck, back, behind the eyes, and in teeth
- Earaches
As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Morgan can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend therapies for relief.
How Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Help
A wide range of pains and problems arising in the teeth, face, neck, and head originate from improper functioning of muscles and nerves. Neuromuscular dentistry involves discovering and treating misalignment or malfunction in the muscles and nerves of the jaw.
Thanks to a number of technological advancements, our neuromuscular dentistry treatments can help restore proper jaw function and alignment. First we use a Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, or TENS, unit to assess neuromuscular problems. The TENS unit delivers low-frequency electrical impulses to the muscles that control jaw movement, causing them to relax. Our K-7 machine records the relaxed position of the jaw, so Dr. Morgan can determine the best way to permanently correct the problem.
Headache & TMJ Therapy
If we discover a problem with jaw alignment, the first step in treatment is a custom orthotic appliance. This neuromuscular appliance holds your jaw in its correct alignment. After three months, we reassess the problem and determine whether or not the orthotic appliance has alleviated symptoms. Sometimes further therapy is required, and we might suggest orthodontics, restoration of tooth arches, or bite adjustment. For many people, Dr. Morgan can provide permanent, drug-free headache relief in just a few appointments.
