By definition, general dentists evaluate, diagnose, and resolve dental (teeth) and periodontal (gums) disorders, abnormalities, and injuries. As such, you’ve probably come to expect dentists to offer certain services – professional cleanings, fillings, crowns, teeth whitening, and so on. Some dentists, like Dr. Shane Nelson, have built considerable expertise and experience in areas such as the evaluation and treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs). So, you have peace of mind; a highly qualified dentist is available when you search for “treatment of TMJ symptoms near me in Overland Park, KS.”

Dentistry by Shane Nelson, DDS is happy to provide some of the ways that we distinguish from the other dental practices in the Kansas City area, in terms of diagnosing the true nature of symptoms such as pain, and in providing lasting relief.

K7 system

We use a computer-assisted technology to measure and record the jaw function and the action of the chewing muscles. This data informs our accurate diagnostic process, and plays an important role in neuromuscular dentistry. Our approach to dentistry looks at your mouth as more than just gums and teeth. Rather, we account for the entire system of muscles, bones, and nerves. These non-invasive diagnostic tools provide invaluable insights into each patient’s unique anatomy and physiology, which can then be used to inform methods that restore optimal positioning and bring balance to the many parts that make up the complex neuromuscular system. 

Sonography 

We also get considerable insight into how well your jaw joints and discs function, courtesy of sonography. This diagnostic method involves placing highly sensitive devices (transducers) over each of the TM Joints that connect the jaw to the skull. These devices capture the vibration of the tissues that are generated from the sounds of the joints. This recording of the vibrations emanating from the sounds that the joint makes when, for instance, the mouth is opened or closed, can then be used to quickly and reliably evaluate the TMJ’s range of motion.

TENS units 

Dr. Nelson uses a specific type of ultra-low frequency TENS unit to relax the chewing muscles that contribute to TMJ symptoms. “TENS” stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” Small impulses of electricity are delivered to the sites of pain, stiffness, and other conditions. These impulses interfere with the pain signals that are transmitted to the spinal cord and brain, which are the units that provide relief from discomfort and other TMD-related characteristics.

We’ve focused quite a bit on getting to the root cause of your symptoms. TMDs are very complex; they have many different causes – from arthritis to the stress that is placed on the joints from teeth-grinding or “bad bite.” Regardless of each patient’s specific needs, they all benefit from our use of advanced and precision diagnostics to determine the true nature of wide-ranging symptoms. From there, we can recommend a treatment plan that is best to resolve the specific cause(s) of problems that can interfere with your quality of life. Contact us to schedule your evaluation today.

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