In Audubon, New Jersey, Dr. Michael Katz believes in a comprehensive approach to dentistry, even beyond simple care of your teeth and gums. Most general dentists focus primarily on the form of teeth, often neglecting the importance of how the teeth function within a larger system. Neuromuscular dentistry, or NMD, applies the belief that all of the surrounding components—such as the nerves [“neuro”] and the muscles [“muscular”]—need to be taken into account.
Not only do your teeth need to be in good health, but they also need to work together with the interlocking muscles that move the joints so the teeth come together properly. The term “occlusion” or “bite” is used to refer to the way the teeth meet. Many people shift their lower jaw left or right as they close their mouth, which frequently goes unnoticed until their teeth begin to grind down or they experience jaw, neck, or head pain.
Practicing NMD means that our Audubon dentist can help determine where the patient's teeth should come together so that all of the back teeth hit at the same time, and in the same spot, with the same amount of pressure, every time they come together. By completely relaxing these muscles we can determine what path the jaw would like to take in order for the teeth, muscles, jaw and joints to be in harmony.
“Temporo” meaning head and “mandible” meaning the lower jaw, TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joints which connect the head and jaw together. Since your teeth are connected to your lower jaw by these ball-and-socket type joints, it makes sense that dentists should be well-educated in these areas. Problems which occur within these regions are known as Temporomandibular Disorders, or TMD.
Developed more than 30 years ago, Audubon, NJ Dr. Michael Katz practices the logical view that the teeth, mandible, TMJ, head, and neck are all interrelated and must all work together. If there is a problem in one of these areas, there may easily be a problem in another. However, traditional dentistry assumes that your present bite (how and where your lower and upper teeth meet upon closing) is best for you. As such, any changes made to your mouth, such as fillings or crowns, are made to accommodate this bite—whether it’s right or wrong. When it’s wrong, the surrounding muscles must overcompensate for the bad bite each time you chew, swallow and yawn—and that's more than 1,000 times a day!
At our Audubon, NJ dental practice, we understand the importance of seeing your general physician first to rule out any serious conditions. However, we encourage you to consider TMD treatments as a logical, non-invasive, non-medicating alternative. Your teeth, jaw, joints and muscles are related and addressing the causes and not just the symptoms could improve your overall quality of life.
Dr. Michael Katz offers comfortable, anxiety-free TMD treatments for the Audubon, NJ area and beyond. We invite you to request your appointment today!