Sunday, August 22, 2010

TMJ Treatment: Is Neuromuscular Dentistry the TMJ Treatment?

Neuromuscular Dentistry treats TMJ disorders by correcting the underlying problems rather than just treating the symptoms. The old fashioned mechanical approach to TMD treatment only addresses the current symptoms. Long term correction of chronic headaches, joint pain and muscle pain is actually the result of healing when underlying pathology is eliminated. Neuromuscular Dentistry is the best way to correct function and permit long term healing.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Headaches after wisdom teeth extractions and residual paresthesia.

Question from ELMA:
What is the correlation between the removal of the third molar and migraine headaches? I have permanent paresthesia on the lower left lip and chin. This occured in 1987 and I never suffered with headaches or sinus problems until the surgery. I remember hearing the dentist asking his assistant "What is that?" once he extracted that particular tooth.

Dr Shapira Response: Dear Elma I have seen many patients who trace TMJ problems and headaches back to wisdom teeth extractions. This can be due to many reasons. You had damage to your trigeminal nerve during the surgery that causes parasthesia or permanent numbness.

It is also traumatic to the joints, ligaments and muscles to have third molars extracted. Injuries may not always heal correctly and bites can change leading to neuromuscular problems.

Frequently there were always underlying problems that do not express themselves until after extractions. Clicking can start in the TM Joints due to direct trauma to the joint or secondary to bite changes.

I am hoping my patented devices for early prophylactic removal or third molars before they calcify will eliminate most of this type of problem in the future. There is virtually no morbidity when the developing tooth bud is removed before calcification and it is a quick atraumatic procedure with the added benefit of allowing collection and storage of stem cells for future use.

Relief of 30 years of constant Headache: Brief relief may provide clue to long term relief.

KEN:I Have had headaches for 30 years going away only once when having a root canal done on an upper tooth. While everything was numbed up I had complete brain function and no headache. They are located directly behind my nose area and I feel a constant pressure.

Dr Shapira response: The anaesthetic relieved the pain probably confirming that it is from the trigeminal nerve. I would be very interested is a spenopalatine ganglion block could give more long term relief. It is a easy procedure that I have taught patients to do at home with a q-tip and anaesthetic thru the nose. There are also other diagnostic blocks that can be done to determine the cause of your headaches.

A diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic would be an excellent first step in treatment. If the headaches are eliminated or significantly relieved a permenant stabilization could be done. I have referred you to an excellent Dr who knows both of the procedures mentioned.