There are many different types of dentists these days. Many dentists are trained in all aspects of dentistry while others may specialize in a certain field. A neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Michael Chung uses an approach that involves examining the entire mouth and jaw area. He will focus on the nerves and muscles and the correct positioning of the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.
All of these aspects work together, and if one of them is malfunctioning then painful problems may occur. Schedule your free neuromuscular dentistry evaluation by calling 703-319-6990 today.
How Can a Neuromuscular Dentist Help Me?
Dr. Chung will perform a thorough evaluation to see if the patient has temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is basically a misaligned jaw joint that causes many painful issues.
Many people are thought to have some form of TMD, which can be very painful for some. Discomfort in the face, neck, and shoulders muscles are often a sign of TMD, along with clicking and popping in the jaw. Dr. Chung can provide a diagnosis and recommend the TMD treatment you need.
Technology is such an important part of Oakton neuromuscular dentistry, and figuring out if the jaw is aligned correctly is no easy task. A few methods to diagnose TMD are:
- Electromyography, which is a scan to figure out the tension of the jaw when it is in motion and when it is relaxed
- A computerized mandibular scan, which tracks all the motions of the jaw so the dentist can determine the correct positioning
- Sonography, which records all the sounds in your jaw when you move it - clicks, pops, and grinding are signs of TMD
Neuromuscular dentistry is very important to the overall health of your mouth and all of the muscles and nerves of the head, face, jaw and neck. Visiting your dentist regularly and asking about TMD may just save you years of pain.
If you want to learn more about neuromuscular dentistry in the Oakton and Washington D.C. area, contact Softouch Dental Care by calling neuromuscular dentist Dr. Chung at 703-319-6990. We serve patients in Oakton, Fairfax, Vienna, Arlington, Tysons Corner, Reston, and all of Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area.