TENS Unit and TMD Treatment

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 13, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is used in neuromuscular dentistry for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). A TENS unit is a small, battery powered device that sends gentle electrical pulses into muscles to encourage relaxation and block pain signals. This serves a dual purpose in neuromuscular dentistry by first eliminating the pain associated with TMD, and then relaxing your muscles sufficiently for your dentist to determine your proper jaw alignment.

TMD

TMD is the name given to any condition affecting the alignment of your jaw. When you suffer from TMD, your jaw's misalignment may result in symptoms including:
- Pain through the jaw
- Limited jaw mobility
- Lockjaw
- Click or popping when opening the mouth

By relaxing the muscles with a TENS unit, your neuromuscular dentist can reduce these symptoms.

Treating TMD

A TENS unit is only one of several treatment options for TMD. For long-term relief, TMD must be corrected through more advanced neuromuscular dentistry solutions.

Often a TENS unit will be combined with treatments such as:
- An oral splint or mouthguard
- Orthodontic options including Invisalign
- Dental restorations
- Correction of previous dental work
- Jaw massage and relaxation techniques

Each case of TMD is unique. Your neuromuscular dentist will work individually with you to establish the treatment plan that will be most effective for your particular needs.

Why Treat TMD

TMD can be painful, but may also be little more than a mild nuisance. However, left untreated, TMD can lead to oral health issues such as uneven tooth wear or tooth loss, as well as systemic issues including chronic headaches, neck, shoulder and backaches, postural changes, and digestive problems.

Because many of these issues can also be caused by other health concerns, it is important that you visit a neuromuscular dentist at the first sign of TMD. If your symptoms are a result on TMD, neuromuscular dentistry solutions can treat the underlying problem, helping you avoid costly medical treatments that may dull discomfort, but cannot provide long-term relief.

For more information about treating TMD, please visit the website of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania neuromuscular dentist Lindsey Marshall, DMD today at www.lindseymarshall.com.

# # #