The Neuromuscular Approach to Dentistry
Computerized Electro-diagnostic Instrumentation - the Missing Link
Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S., F.I.C.C.M.O.
Science and Technology
Science and technology in the dental field has greatly advanced to a higher level of understanding of the masticatory system and accompanying structures through the work of Dr. Bernard Jankelson and continues to this day by his son Dr. Robert Jankelson. It is based on scientific instrumentation that objective quantifiable data can be recorded to access mandibular movements in function and at rest. Numerous scientific studies have been published in scientific and refereed journals nationally and internationally to bring to light the dynamics of mandibular function, muscle activity during resting modes and active modes. Mandibular paths of motion can accurately be recorded in six dimensions (vertical, anterior/ posterior, frontal/ lateral, pitch, yaw and roll) to determine pathologic activity from physiologic. These recordings and acquired data can effectively confirm the patient's feelings and concerns due to this innovative technology. An optimal physiologic mandibular position can now be understood without bias and opinionated views for each individual patient, thus giving rise to accuracy in treatment and predictable success. Clear reliable evidence can now be gathered and studied to understand the true patho-physiology of mandibular movement, muscle activity, its function and its relation to occlusion/ teeth and the temporomandibular joints for each individual patient needing treatment.
Clearing Up Historical Confusion
Today these innovative diagnostic aids (computerized electro-diagnostic instrumentation) can clearly help clarify the misunderstandings, the false and misleading theories that have plagued and clouded the understanding of the majority of today's dentists, dental schools, institutions and those in the health profession. No longer do we need to contend with treatment opinions and subjective experiential guesses to treat our patients. All doubt and question can be laid aside if those that are treating patients in need are willing and bold to lay aside old fashion concepts and face the truth of scientific evidence and objectivity.
A Neuromuscular Approach to Dentistry
Dr. Maurizio Bergamini, M.D. stated so clearly, "The field of neuromuscular dentistry has matured to adulthood. Over twenty years of study and research confirmed by clinical and experimental controls have enabled this special discipline to assume a respected role within the medical sciences. At last, it has achieved wide acceptance, is taught in the universities of several countries, is discussed at medical meetings and congress, and is considered an indispensable clinical method for an increased number of clinicians."
Neuromuscular dentistry has been able to assert itself, thanks to Bernard Jankelson's keen insight about the fundamental role played by the neuromuscular system involving all the components of the human anatomy of the head, neck, face, and the mouth with all its dysfunction's. He had the intuitive ability to measure and control the biophysical and biochemical phenomenon that determined jaw movements. Dr. Jankelson's brilliant motto sums up the neuromuscular approach so well: "If it has been measured, it is a fact; if it has not been measured, it is an opinion." - From the textbook titled "Neuromuscular Dental Diagnosis and Treatment" by Robert R. Jankelson, 1990.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Answers Questions that Gnathology Cannot
The neuromuscular approach although rarely talked about or discussed in common lectures and teaching institutions today, is certainly welcomed in this age of dentistry among those that have been seeking the truth to understanding the complexities of dental care and treatment, especially in the realm of restorative dentistry, musculo-skeletal/ TMJ disorders and cervical pain problems. For many of us that have been the recipients of the outmoded teachings of gnathologics and seeing the short comings of the standard dental teachings in clinical practice, it is refreshing and inspiring to understand how the stomatognathic systems truly functions in light of supporting scientific instrumentation that can record and verify the observations and symptoms presented by our patients in everyday clinical practice.
It is Scientific and Physiologic
The Neuromuscular Approach is scientifically and physiologically based. There are many health and medical disciplines that support and confirm this view both clinically and physiologically. Other professionals that support and understand this approach to dental care and treatment are osteopathic physicians, certain physicians that are involved with head and neck pain management, chiropractors, cranio-sacral message therapist, physical therapist and nutritionist. This diagnostic instrumentation that is discussed in this article is used in many universities and countries internationally to carry out their scientific research and investigative studies.
Computerized electro-diagnostic instrumentation is the missing link that brings science and further understanding of muscle physiology into clinical dentistry. Many of the questions have been now been clearly answered allowing the neuromuscular dentist to further investigate with openness new doors that he never dreamed could be opened to him in the realm of dental diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Clayton Chan practices Neuromuscular Dentistry in his general dental practice in San Diego, CA. He uses computerized electro-diagnostic instrumentation (Myotronics-Noromed, Inc., Tukwila, WA) to assist him in the diagnosis and treatment of his patients in need of complex restorative, craniomandibular/ neuromuscular/ cervical dysfunction and orthodontic treatment.
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