Nashville dentist Dr. Forbes’ neuromuscular approach has given us the foundation to make success a reality for many of our patients. If you or we suspect neuromuscular problems, we will consult with you before scheduling two very thorough exams, not just talk to you about your TMJ symptoms. The results from the exam will tell us which therapies are most likely to be successful for you.
If you are in Nashville and need a dentist who uses neuromuscular diagnostics to bring harmony to oral muscles and effectively end your dental discomfort, please contact the Center for Advanced Dentistry online or call us directly at (615) 383-6787 to book time with Dr. Forbes.
Attention to Detail
We are committed to seeing results for our patients, and take an effective length of time to address each care area. By utilizing advanced computer diagnostics, focusing on details, honing skills and increasing our knowledge base, the Center for Advanced Dentistry team in Nashville has been able to make significant progress on how patients feel about their teeth, oral comfort, and overall dental and medical health.
Consistent, predictable results have allowed many of our patients to experience relief from years or even decades of pain.
Here are five circumstances in which Dr. Forbes will recommend a neuromuscular exam:
Neuromuscular Symptom No. 1: Patients experience oral pain and discomfort for no apparent reason, causing bite interference, sensitivity and trauma.
Neuromuscular Symptom No. 2: The presence of bone loss is evident in an X-ray evaluation of old root canals.
Neuromuscular Symptom No. 3: Facial muscles and the temporomandibular (jaw) joint are tender.
Neuromuscular Symptom No. 4: The patient has severe tooth discomfort, neck aches, temple area pain, joint clicking and popping, bruxism and grinding, headaches (sometimes chronic) or excessive tooth wear.
Neuromuscular Symptom No. 5: Previous gum tissue treatments failed to resolve tooth mobility, existing periodontal pockets, or the level of disease present in those pockets.
The Diagnostic Process
“If it can be measured and repeated, it is scientific,” said neuromuscular pioneer Dr. Robert Jankelson. “If it can’t, it is an opinion.”
The dental technology that we use eliminates unnecessary procedures as we get to the heart of your discomfort and oral health problems.
To begin our neuromuscular approach to patient care, our Exam Coordinator will help you relax during a comfortable, illuminating discovery process. This is a time when we set our sights on helping you realize your dream of living pain-free and forge the foundation for a lasting, beautiful new smile.
Exam Diagnostic Tools
Here are five tools that Dr. Forbes uses to ensure that he is providing patients with a comprehensive care plan during the exam:
Computerized Mandibular Scanning (CMS) — This biomedical instrument provides a multidimensional assessment of lower jaw function. It measures the movement of the jaw far more accurately than the eye alone. This makes it possible to document lower jaw motion, which is considered an excellent way of evaluating overall jaw function. This tool also can identify the amount of free space, the swallowing pattern, and the quality of the occlusion, or bite position. It substantiates the presence of disc problems and provides good ideas on how to reduce them. It is used to differentiate between the factors that cause the opening and closing of the lower jaw to change from the normal position to an abnormal position or vice versa. It is used in conjunction with EMG recordings.
Sonography — We use sound to measure the quality and function of the temporomandibular joint in relation to other normal jaw sounds. This sonographic analysis can help determine if the health and condition of the jaw joints are a significant contributing factor to toothaches or facial pain. The process involves using a pair of ultra-sensitive pads held in place by a lightweight headset over the jaw joints. The sounds of the joints are analyzed by a computer for loudness and frequency. This valuable supportive information is used in conjunction with other clinical diagnostic therapies to confirm conditions of joint dysfunction.
Electromyography (EMG) — This is a series of tests to more specifically illustrate and define stressed muscles. These tests are necessary to diagnose the difference between intra-capsular interference (meniscal or otherwise) and extra-capsular interference (influence of the surrounding hypertonic muscular matrix) to determine the worst problem area. Defining the cause of the TMJ patient’s overall neuromuscular dysfunction will help the patient avoid receiving the wrong pain treatment.
Transcutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation (TENS) — This is a specific therapy for the treatment and resolution of pain related to the nervous system and facial muscle conditions. The process involves the placement of electrodes on both sides of the area in front of the right and left ears, just beside the coronoid notch. These electrodes deliver mild, painless electric pulses to the nerves that control face and mouth muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles and allows us to determine the correct relation of the lower jaw to the base of the skull. It also relieves pain.
Patient Summary — Using this technology, you should expect to see the pain, frustration, and anguish of your dental and neuromuscular problem in a whole new light. This technology can help guide us toward a conservative treatment strategy.
We are committed to bringing this exceptional care to everyone who needs relief from neuromuscular disorders.
When you need a Nashville dentist who relies on advanced dental technology to improve the comfort, accuracy, and precision of his patient care, please contact our office online or
call us directly at (615) 383-6787 to book an appointment with Dr. Forbes.