Neuromuscular dentistry differs from tradional dentistry in its approach to the head and neck musculature. The neuromuscular approach for a client who has symptoms (headache, migraine, clicking jaw, worn down teeth, facial pain, neck and shoulder pain, tingling finger tips, etc.) is to firstly relax the head and neck musculature, then stabilise the jaw in this new muscle relaxed position, and finally allow teeth to function in this stable healthy position.
The three steps involve:1 Muscle relaxation - this is carried out via a process called Tens which carries a low frequency rhythmic pulse to the overworked muscles. This relaxes the muscle and the jaw system.
2 Stabilisation - once the relaxed postion is found a plastic orthodontic is worn to maintain the relaxed muscles and ensure the original pain symptons have disappeared
3 Solution - the long term solution can involve coronoplasty which is the meticulous adjustments made to tooth shape to allow the jaw to function in its muscle relaxed position, orthodontice or porcelain restorations to secure a healthy, great-looking smile.
Read Jane's story
On Friday 29th July 2005 I had extensive dental surgery in order to give me a smile makeover, as I was not happy with the look of my own teeth.
Once I had the temporaries fitted I was in so much pain and I kept calling my clinic to explain the discomfort and pain I was in, however I was reassured that once the veneers were fitted all of this discomfort would go away and it was quite normal to feel like this. It was at this point I was taking the maximum dose of Nurofen along with Co Drydomol to ease the pain and to help me sleep at night.
Two weeks later I returned to have the veneers fitted on Friday 12th August 2005. I had explained to the dental surgeon how much pain I was told that now I have the veneers fitted everything should now be ok and that I might have to pop back and have them adjusted.
During the night the pain was terrific in my mouth, jaw, and not to forget the severe headaches I was getting, I coped all weekend like this, I was so ill I could not do a thing and the painkillers were making me feel ill.
So first thing Monday morning I contacted my surgery and explained how much pain I was in and how I had a really bad weekend with such painful headaches, unable to sleep, drink or eat, as my teeth were so sensitive. I was then booked in to have my bite adjusted.
However on Friday 19th August the pain was so unbearable I was suffering from a tremendous headaches which then turned into a migraine which then lasted for a further two days. It was this point that the headaches were daily. I had even stopped working as I was so ill. I had endured continuous headaches, migraines, and neck and jaw pain. I was still taking the maximum dose of Nurofen, however I was now getting stomach problems due to the build up of acid so I then had to take Pepcid Two tablets to stop the stomach pain.
I then arranged to go back to my dental surgeon, as the pain was unbearable at this meeting my surgeon was even confused as to why I was in so much pain. After he had a look again in my mouth he said that he had missed another �high spot� and how sorry he was and he even sympathised with the pain I was in and said it was not good and that he would be able to sort out the problem. I was still also complaining that my teeth were so sensitive. He had suggested that I continue to use Sensodine toothpaste and to buy some Flouriguard. Both of which did not make any difference.
After this meeting I was not feeling any better so I rebooked for another appointment. By this time I was so fed up and in so much pain and starting to regret even having the work done, as I was never advised at any point of any form of potential side effects. During my appointment I was still complaining that I was unable to eat or drink anything hot or cold and anything with sugar in caused me so much pain to my back teeth in particular let alone all of the other symptoms that I have already mentioned.
Summary of events and symptoms.- Work carried out temporaries put on for two weeks
- Extreme pain from temporaries but then veneers fitted
- Extreme pain continued once veneers were on
- Severe headaches, migraines, neck and jaw pain
- Sensitive and sore teeth
- Weight loss as unable to eat or drink (I did not need to lose any weight)
- Jaw pain, both sides of jaw clicking out of socket
- Misaligned Jaw, both sides particularly sore, right side clicks out every time
- Poor bite, unable to eat on the left hand side
- Now not working due to pain and consistent headaches
- Not able to socialise with friends over diner as I am unable to eat
- Not able to go on holiday
- Emotionally and physically stressed out.
As I was at the end of my tether and in agony 5 months after I had the treatment I then contacted Dr Justin Glaister who was highly recommended to me and specialised in this area. Dr Glaister then carried out a full investigation as to why I had experienced all this pain and ongoing symptoms.
After my consultation with Justin he proposed a treatment plan for me which involves a neuromuscular approach where he will TENS (relax with a low stimulus electrical pulse) the head and neck musculature and provide a removable orthotic for the lower jaw in order to try and stabilise the joints in a relaxed muscle position.
I agreed to this and started the treatment within a week, I found the TENS very relaxing and comfortable. In fact after my first treatment I had the best nights sleep, which might not sound a lot but when you have not slept well for 5 months it�s great! I have so far had several sessions on the TENS and each time it has the same effect. The plastic orthotic is also very comfortable and since wearing it and visiting Justin I have stopped completely taking the painkillers, I am able to sleep well every night. I have more energy, and no more neck, back, jaw pains. I am even able to drink more hot and cold drinks. Each time I have an appointment my removable orthotic is adjusted to make it even better.
I would strongly recommend anyone who has similar symptoms to myself to go through the same treatment. Justin is outstanding, and the beauty of it is that it works!
Jane Ninnim
