Neuromuscular Dentistry Services
Find relief from TMJ and sleep apnea.
A Leading Provider of Physiologic Dentistry in the Shorewood Area
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also commonly known as TMJ, is a set of disorders that affect the jaw muscles, joints, and nerves. Most people associate TMJ with misalignment and clicking of the jaw. However, TMJ treatment is about much more than addressing irritating symptoms. When left untreated, jaws that are out of alignment or unbalanced can cause a variety of cosmetic and physiological problems, including:
- Jaw pain and headaches
- Vertigo
- Damaged teeth
- Gum recession
- Tinnitus
Additionally, TMJ is a major risk factor for developing sleep apnea, which is a serious condition that can impair sleep, result in chronic fatigue, and increase risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other illnesses.
If you suspect you suffer from TMD or sleep apnea, neuromuscular dentistry can provide the relief you’re after. At Lakota Dental in Shorewood, IL, Dr. Mike Lakota, uses advanced technology and treatment methods to help alleviate symptoms and address the root cause of TMJ.
Diagnosis and Treatment Through Neuromuscular Dentistry
The goal of neuromuscular dentistry is to correct bite abnormalities by repositioning the jaw into its optimal resting position over the long term. There are a variety of factors that can lead to TMJ, so the first step will be to determine what is causing the jaw to go off track. Dr. Lakota uses an array of diagnostic technologies, including:
• Computerized jaw tracking
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Digital bite analysis
Using these diagnostic techniques, Dr. Lakota can develop tailored TMJ treatments to provide lasting relief from symptoms. For example, we can create customized oral splits, provide ultrasound therapy, and recommend exercises to help reorient the jaw.
For more information about how neuromuscular dentistry at Lakota Dental in Shorewood, IL, can help you find relief from TMJ and sleep apnea, schedule an appointment today.