Neuromuscular Dentist Dr. Mindy Munowitz

Not everyone is familiar with the premise of this specialty. When it comes to Ohio, neuromuscular dentistry is practiced by very few. The Cincinnati area, however, has neuromuscular dentist Dr. Mindy Munowitz at SmilesOhio to turn to.

The TMJ dentist will first examine the head and neck muscles when the head is in a relaxed mode, to determine the optimal alignment of the jaw. Mechanically, it may be necessary to align the dentition properly or use other orthodontic appliances to achieve the desired effect.

A primary concern of this area of dental practice is the relief of muscle spasm that occurs in the head, neck and shoulders. Some times a low frequency pulse called ULF-TENS. This is Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. It is painless and breaks the pain cycle. Among the ways it does that is by bringing out the body's natural pain fighting endorphins.

How Your Ohio Neuromuscular Dentistry Works

Once the pain is relieved, your dentist will stabilize your bite with a plastic appliance that goes over the teeth. It keeps the muscles from returning to spasm, and the neuromuscular dentist can make adjustments to the plastic without disturbing the teeth. This is a temporary measure until the bite is stabilized and more permanent adjustments can be made.

There are three major component addressed in this science: the muscles that chew affect them all. When they go into spasm it can not only cause pain; but damage your teeth and the resulting bite.

To some in Ohio, neuromuscular dentistry is a mystery. To Dr. Munowitz it is an art as much as a science.