What is Gnathology?
Gnathology is the branch of dentistry that studies the relationship between teeth, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and chewing muscles as a whole. No matter how straight your teeth look, if there is an imbalance in the bite, it can lead to permanent damage and severe pain in the jaw joint.
Which Symptoms Fall Under Gnathology? If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need a joint examination:
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Joint Sound: A "clicking", "popping", or "grinding" sound from the jaw when opening/closing your mouth or eating.
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Pain: Pain radiating to the front of the ear, temples, or neck, often increasing in the morning.
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Limitation: Inability to fully open the mouth, jaw shifting, or locking.
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding teeth during sleep or the day, waking up tired in the morning.
Treatment Methods
1. Splint Therapy (Night Guard): The most fundamental treatment in Gnathology is custom-made hard and transparent appliances (Splints). Unlike soft night guards sold in pharmacies, these splints are produced with millimetric precision to reposition the jaw joint, relax the muscles, and treat disc displacement.
2. Masseter Botox (Jaw Botox): In cases of muscle enlargement due to excessive teeth grinding (Masseter Hypertrophy), botox is applied to the chewing muscles to relax them. This procedure reduces the load on the joint and prevents tooth fracture.
Why Should It Be Treated? TMJ disorders do not go away on their own. Over time, they can lead to permanently reduced mouth opening, joint calcification, and irreversible damage. With early diagnosis and correct splint therapy, you can regain your health without the need for surgery.
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