Neuromuscular Dentistry

Houston, Texas

Neuromuscular dentistry is a philosophy of dental treatment which seeks to make sure your jaw is aligned correctly with respect to muscles, joints, and nerves. Neuromuscular dentists work to determine the ideal resting position of your jaw and correct any misalignment issues so that you can achieve an even bite. The ultimate goal of neuromuscular procedures is to eliminate stress from the jaw muscles which may lead to painful symptoms related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Dr. Konig and many other Neuromuscular Dentists understand how posture affects TMJ patients and include this in their treatment.

History of Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry theory originated in the 1970s with a dentist named Dr. Barney Jankelson. Prior to this time, dentistry operated under the belief that head, neck, and jaw pain was caused by misaligned upper and lower teeth. As a result, treatments focused primarily on the relationship between your teeth while ignoring the rest of your mouth’s anatomy.

Dr. Jankelson argued that it was important to evaluate the muscles, nerves, bones, and temporomandibular joints along with the teeth when treating conditions affecting the head and mouth. He began developing methods of relaxing facial muscles using physiologic and anatomic laws that apply to other musculoskeletal systems in order to move structures of the jaw and mouth into proper alignment. His methods became the foundation for neuromuscular dentistry.

Modern Neuromuscular Dentistry

Modern neuromuscular dentistry treatments focus on correcting issues in the facial nerves and muscles which place stress on your temporomandibular joint, forcing your jaw out of alignment. These misalignment issues result in chronic strain to the joint, causing TMD. When you suffer from TMD, your facial and jaw muscles must fight to overcome the misalignment issues which impair proper functioning.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), becomes misaligned. Millions of Americans suffer from TMD each year, and it can lead to considerable pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Jaw pain
• Ear pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial pain
• Locking of the jaw
• Headaches
• Uneven bite
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound in the jaw joint when opening your mouth or chewing
• Limited mobility in the mouth
• Uncomfortable bite
• Facial swelling
• Toothaches
• Neck pain
• Dizziness

If you experience some of these symptoms, you may be able to find relief through neuromuscular dentistry.  Houston neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Ronald Konig will work to establish the optimal resting position for your jaw in order to alleviate your TMD symptoms.

Please contact our Houston, Texas neuromuscular dentist today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Konig.  Happily serving the areas of Houston, Galveston, Sugar Land, and Katy, Texas.