Proper alignment of the jaw is critical to the functionality of bones, joints, muscles, and nerves in the face and head. Disturbance of this delicate relationship can lead to chronic pain. Rochester dentists Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal have undergone extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry to diagnose and treat jaw pain and other issues.
To learn more about how our neuromuscular dentists can help you, please call Drs. Pogal and Sussman today at 585-227-4390 to schedule a consultation at our office in Rochester.
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a discipline devoted to understanding the relationship between the upper and lower rows of teeth, or bite. A “bad bite,” medically called malocclusion, occurs when the jaws aren’t properly aligned. In many cases a bad bite could be caused by dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. If the joint becomes misaligned, muscles in the face can begin exerting pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain throughout the face, head, and neck. Restoring your bite to an aligned position is the best way to relieve this pain.
How Can a Neuromuscular Dentist Help Me?
Dr. Sussman completed rigorous post-graduate training in neuromuscular dentistry at the illustrious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, or LVI. Neuromuscular dentistry requires an advanced understanding of how the bite interacts with other parts of the craniofacial system. Dr. Sussman is pleased to help patients in Rochester enjoy happier, healthier lives free from debilitating pain.
If TMJ dysfunction, or TMD, appears to be the cause of your pain, Dr. Sussman will perform a thorough evaluation. The examination will likely include:
- Checking range of motion and any sounds your jaw makes for signs of misalignment
- Assessing pain response in parts of your jaw with gentle pressure
- Tracking bite position at different stages of movement with a K7 Evaluation System
- Electromyography to analyze nerve and muscle function
Once he has completed the evaluation, our neuromuscular dentist can discuss possible TMJ treatments for alleviating pain and restoring the alignment of your bite.
Neuromuscular dentistry might sound complex, but it can lead to relief from headaches and other types of pain tied to the jaw joints and muscles. Please contact the office of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal or call 585-227-4390 today to schedule your consultation. Our dentists welcome patients throughout the Greece and Rochester area.
