Neuromuscular Exam in Nashville, TN - Center for Advanced Dentistry

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.

Testimonials

The new owner of Center For Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Mckinnon Forbes has done several procedures on me when was practicing in North Carolina and I... read more

Beverly A.

I had an amazing first experience at the Center for Advanced Dentistry. I felt prioritized, taken care of, and respected as a customer. For most... read more

Noah W.

If you have dental anxiety, this is for you! In April of last year, I had to have a molar extracted (from a different dentist) and the experience... read more

Sammie U.

They deserve a 10 out of 10 from this patient!!! AHH-MAZING! We had a life changing experience for our household. When you have dental anxiety and... read more

Richelle T.

So happy to have found a dentist that feels like home :) I was looking for a holistically minded practice, and CFAD checked all the boxes. our... read more

Jamie C.

Dr. Forbes is THE BEST!!! Not only is he an expert in his field, he is personable, kind, and his staff made me comfortable at every turn. I gladly... read more

Rachel S.

I was extremely hesitant to try yet another dentist. I needed to get another opinion for my own peace of mind though, so I gave CFAD a try. I had... read more

Tamara B.

Sammie U.

If you have dental anxiety, this is for you! In April of last year, I had to have a molar extracted (from a different dentist) and the experience was quite horrible. I had already developed some dental anxiety prior to this, but this particular visit sent it through the roof. I knew I needed a new dentist and I wanted to find a holistic one who would align with my values and refer out to other practices as little as possible. I found Dr. Forbes at Center for Advanced Dentistry and scheduled a consult knowing I would eventually need an implant to replace my missing tooth. Crissy, their patient coordinator, spent almost three hours with me that first day! She was incredibly kind, great at helping educate me about the root causes of the issues going on in my mouth, patient answering all my questions, and so encouraging when I shared with her how much I struggled with anxiety when getting dental work done. Her passion for helping others in this field radiates through her and quickly helps build an immediate trust. We discussed several different options to best fit my timeline, budget, fears/anxiety, etc. I chose to have two additional teeth extracted (both were root canals that I had wanted out for years) and have implants placed in the, what would be three missing areas. At first, I had decided I wanted to be fully put under with anesthesia because I was so nervous about the procedure. But as we got closer, I started to wonder if I could do it without since it was so expensive, and overall not the healthiest option either. Dr. Forbes and Crissy encouraged me that I could do the procedure with alternative calming methods that they offer and that if at any point I felt like I couldn’t handle it, we could stop. Y’all, I don’t have the words to express the gratitude toward Dr. Forbes and the whole CAD office on surgery day. From their patience in waiting for me to be ready for them to start, to holding my hand and wiping away my tears. From Dr. Forbes communicating with me throughout the whole process, to pushing through seven hours with me in the chair to wrap up what I believe to be the best work anyone could have performed. I’m not even three days post-op and I can’t believe how little pain I’ve felt. I will never trust another dentist like I do Dr. Forbes and I can honestly say I’m less fearful now for future procedures. I look forward to the future dental work and corrections I’ve needed for such a long time! I never thought that would be possible. Thank you, Center for Advanced Dentistry!

Tamara B.

I was extremely hesitant to try yet another dentist. I needed to get another opinion for my own peace of mind though, so I gave CFAD a try. I had seen multiple friends post about them and from the look of their website and social media they looked like they aligned well with my holistic approach to health in general. Backstory: I have had a handful of dental emergencies as an adult, that always led to tooth removal. They were at traditional dentist offices that seemed to want the quick fix to everything. I believe my teeth probably could have been saved if I had known more about preventative oral health and the holistic mindset around teeth in general back then. Most dentists (at least the many that I have seen) do not educate you on full body functional health. They focus on service level in my opinion. I needed more than this. I was tired of not understanding. So I learned more about holistic options. I have a lot of anxiety seeing dentists because every visit for over a decade was always bad news. I need my bite corrected, a few implants, and some small fires to be put out. I don't need a celebrity smile like other doctors have pushed, and I very much like my smile how it is. What I need is better function of my overall health. I didn't want braces at 33 and the suggested gameplan from another doctor was many years of work. Going into CFAD today, I felt this huge weight and confusion over me. I was nervous and defeated, but I walked out empowered and confident! My consultation was more like having coffee with a friend. Crissy immediately helped my nerves dissipate with her personality and gentle demeanor. We talked for hours. The wealth of knowledge that was poured into me was exactly what I was searching for. She was very likeminded about health in general and made me feel safe to ask questions. She eased into the plan for my mouth and I never felt like she was rushing or waiting to move on to the next topic. I could have talked to her all day. She really made me completely comfortable before I even saw Dr. Forbes. So by the time he came in, I had zero anxiety. That alone is a miracle in itself, because it's never happened before. The plan for my mouth is different than I expected, but I am so excited for their expertise to be a success story for me. I actually understand the plan and why. Another first! I don't need to get braces, and it actually won't take much time at all to bring functionality back into my mouth. If you are on the fence about big dental work, I highly suggest meeting with Center for Advanced Dentistry for a consultation. I can't wait to start improving and healing my mouth with this amazing team.

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