Neuromuscular Dentistry

If you grind or clench your teeth, if your facial muscles are sore, or if your teeth are worn down, you may have developed TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Lakota studied neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ therapy at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Often, he can alleviate these problems with non-surgical therapy to improve a patient’s quality of life.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Unlike traditional dental philosophies, neuromuscular dentistry addresses the position of the teeth and jaw, as well as the relationship with associated muscles and nerves.

Neuro = Nerve
Muscular = Muscles
Dentistry = Teeth
Neuromuscular Dentistry = Whole-Mouth Harmony

Signs of TMJ
The small, triangular joints that connect your jaw to your skull allow movement of your mouth. When these temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints, are misaligned, related muscles and nerves are put under significant stress, which leads to pain and other symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty Biting or Chewing
• Chronic Earaches
• Dizziness
• Headaches and/or Migraines
• Clicking or Popping of the Jaw
• Neck, Shoulder, Face, and Low Back Pain
• Problems Swallowing
• Tingling in the Extremities
• Upper Body Stiffness

TMJ Treatment
As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Lakota offers conservative neuromuscular therapy for headache and migraine treatment. He trained at Las Vegas Institute and provides treatment to stabilize the bite, repair damage, and restore (or establish) whole-mouth harmony.

With specialized technology, Dr. Lakota will determine the optimal position for your jaw joints, which will correlate to establishing a proper bite. After your complete evaluation, the dentist will make recommendations for conservative TMJ treatment. Non-surgical TMJ, headache, and migraine treatment may involve rebuilding teeth with excessive wear, suggesting exercises to strengthen and de-stress your jaw muscles, or an oral appliance that prevent teeth grinding and keeps your jaw in the correct position.

An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ. Let Dr. Lakota give you a comfortable, healthy smile.

Reserve Your Appointment Today!
Call Naperville Smiles today to make an appointment with Dr. Lakota. We serve Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, Lisle, Downers Grove, Plainfield, and the surrounding areas.