The Role of Neuromuscular Dentistry in Dental Practice

Аннотация

For contemporary dentistry, diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and related
chronic facial pain syndromes may be very difficult. Conventional isolated prosthodontic or orthodontic treatments often
fail to provide long-lasting clinical improvements when underlying neuromuscular involvement and muscle hypertonicity
are not addressed.
The goal is to assess the methods of diagnosis and treatment used in neuromuscular dentistry and to assess the clinical
effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and specially designed splint treatment in treating
uncomfortable temporomandibular joint dysfunction conditions.
Supplies and Procedures: An empirical investigation of a typical clinical case served as the basis for the review of current
academic research and clinical suggestions. A neuromuscular method was used to treat a 68-year-old female patient
with chronic painful TMJ dysfunction syndrome, which included joint crepitus, limited mandibular mobility, anterior open
bite, tinnitus, and severe recurring headaches. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and a particular lower-
arch acrylic device (“Orthotic”) were used as part of the treatment regimen to restore the normal mandibular position
and the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO).
Research Findings: TENS-induced targeted myorelaxation successfully reduced aberrant nociceptive pathways, eased
spasms in the masticatory muscles, and allowed precise registration of the mandible’s physiological neuromuscular position.
For long-term therapy, orthotic splints were utilised to effectively stabilise occlusal contacts, eliminate joint noises
and feelings of chronic pain, restore restricted jaw motions, and provide long-term functional stability without symptom
recurrence.
Conclusion: Effective care of TMJ dysfunction requires a thorough multidisciplinary approach that concurrently takes into
account the articular structures, occlusal connections, and the surrounding masticatory muscles. In challenging occlusal
rehabilitation, the long-term prognosis and diagnostic accuracy are significantly enhanced with the use of contemporary
neuromuscular modalities like TENS, particular orthotic appliances, and joint sonography.