Dental Health Center Dessureault :. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation)

Home \| Français

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

   Occlusion is the foundation of dentistry. It is of key importance in the success of every major dental procedure.
   Occlusion is affected by a triad of factors - the teeth, the muscles and the temporomandibular joints.
   Traditional dentistry has focused on the teeth - what might be called "one-dimensional" dentistry.
   Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD) is a term that has been applied to the additional consideration of the "second & third dimensions" - muscles and TM joints in order to achieve an occlusion that is based on the optimal relationship between the mandible and the skull.
    In summary, NMD is the science of occlusion that is based on a premise of relaxing the muscles to establish an optimal occlusal position to achieve the desired treatment goal.

What is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation)?

   Neuromuscular Dentistry begins with the true relaxation of the muscles through the use of TENS. TENS is a widely used term, but as used in Neuromuscular Dentistry it is more properly called ultra-low frequency electrical stimulation. This safe, battery operated device delivers a mild electrical stimulus to the muscles via neural pathways.
   The neuromuscular Dentist wants to relax these often tense muscles to find their true resting state and establish the occlusion at that position.
   Now that your muscles are relaxed, the Neuromuscular Dentist will confirm and record the relaxed position of your jaw by placing a fast setting putty-like material between your teeth.    The doctor can now compare your usual occlusion (bite) with the relaxed jaw position to evaluate if your jaw is presently in a new physiological position and determine whether the occlusion should be adjusted for optimal function and comfort.

Ref:

Jan kelson B
- Neuromuscular aspects of occlusion effects of occlusal position on the physiology and dysfunction of the mandibular musculature.
Dickerson, W. Chan, Mozzoco, M.
- The Scientific Approach to Neuromuscular Occlusion.