Gnathology is a branch of dentistry that studies the norm and pathology of the dental-jaw system. In addition to jaws and teeth, this system includes muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints. It is the interaction of all these elements that the science of gnathology studies.
What does a gnathologist doctor do?
The task of a gnathologist doctor is to find the correct physiological position of the patient’s lower jaw, so that the processes of breathing, chewing, swallowing and speaking occur correctly. The physician must find out why the jaw shifted, determine its correct location and return the organ to normal position.
Gnathology also helps to correctly treat and restore teeth taking into account the functioning of the jaw apparatus and its components.
The chewing muscles of the body are responsible for the movements of the lower jaw during chewing, breathing, speaking and during sleep. Any dental intervention – whether it is a simple filling, crown, or complete tooth restoration or orthodontic treatment – can lead to a change in the position of the lower jaw. If the dental or orthodontic construction does not change anything in the dental-jaw system, there will be no unpleasant consequences. But if it creates small static and dynamic obstacles, some muscles will be more tense than others and will work non-optimally. Such problems can arise with each filling and crown. These seemingly small problems over time can lead to dysfunctions at the level of blood pressure, spine and even the central nervous system.
Successful treatment with a gnathologist can rid the patient of bruxism, clicking and pain in the jaw, its jamming, headache, ringing in the ears, etc.
Who needs a gnathologist consultation
A gnathologist consultation is needed for such symptoms that indicate dysfunction of the dental-jaw system:
- crunching in the joint when chewing;
- jaw clicking;
- painful sensations in chewing muscles;
- limited movement of the lower jaw;
- difficulty opening the mouth;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- deterioration of vision or hearing;
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- tooth pain;
- pain in shoulders and neck.
- pain in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ);
- bruxism.
The list of symptoms includes those with which we usually turn to other doctors, for example, headache or neck discomfort, however they can also be a sign of TMJ dysfunction.
The gnathologist also treats dislocations and subluxations of the TMJ and its inflammatory diseases – arthritis and arthrosis.
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In dental prosthetics, the gnathologist’s task is to make it so that the patient can bite without effort.
In other words, the gnathologist helps orthopedists and orthodontists treat patients more effectively and ensure the quality of dental services.
Any qualified dentist has knowledge in the field of gnathology, but when solving specific or complicated cases, an expert in this field is needed. Often you can meet specialists who are classified in several fields, for example, an orthodontist or orthopedist can also be gnathologists.
How does a gnathologist treat patients
First of all, the doctor will examine the patient and prescribe studies necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. This can be computed tomography (CT) of the temporomandibular joint, axiography – determination of the trajectory of movement of the joint head along the surface of the skull bones, as well as myography – study of chewing muscles. Gnathologists also use such a diagnostic method as condylography – recording movements of the temporomandibular joint in the form of an electronic 3D model.
In order for the joint to return to the anatomically correct position, it is necessary to model it. Then according to the model a special cap is created, which will help change the position of the joint. After a certain period after wearing the cap, a CT is done to find out what changes have occurred.
Another treatment method for the problem is physiotherapy procedures, with the help of which muscle spasms are eliminated, which facilitates the correction process.
Also, hyaluronic acid and drug therapy can be used to restore joint elasticity.
Usually after the cap, the gnathologist doctor recommends bite correction with the help of braces, aligners, increasing tooth height with the help of building up and implantation of missing teeth. Sometimes a combination of these methods is used.
Gnathology is not as widely known as other branches of dentistry, however this science helps solve complex problems. Do you have symptoms of TMJ dysfunction? Contact the specialists of YAREMA DENTAL clinic.