San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Monday, July 6, 2009

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is a branch of dentistry that moves beyond traditional dentistry’s focus on teeth bone and gums to also include nerves, soft tissues and muscles. Its primary emphasis is treatment of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). These are simply different terms used to describe the same condition. Located on each side of the head in front of the ear, the temporomandibular joint’s movements include the rotating and gliding actions we require when speaking and chewing.

In my practice, I use neuromuscular dentistry to identify and treat jaw misalignment that often causes a variety of ills typically associated with TMD including:

To diagnose TMD, I use digital jaw-tracking instruments to measure jaw movement, resting state and closure path. I also examine the jaw's muscle function when it is both stressed and relaxed. I’ll determine if a structural imbalance exists in the jaw-to-skull relationship. Neuromuscular dentistry then allows me to adjust the bite and realign the jaw, bringing relief from TMD symptoms. Treatment options can include orthotics and/or orthodontics.

If you or a loved one suffers from TMD symptoms, don’t endure your pain needlessly. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, please contact our office to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

posted by Evan Langsted at 2:42 PM

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

What is a laser’s role in dentistry?

While lasers can mean a significant reduction in pain associated with dental visits and in healing time, only five percent of dentists currently utilize lasers in their practice.
I find that lasers contribute greatly to my patients’ ease and safety levels for the following key reasons:

• Sutures (stitches) are often not required.
• Local injections for pain may not be needed for some laser work.
• The laser’s light beam assists in clotting blood, so bleeding is kept to a minimum.
• The beam sterilizes the area in which I work, lowering the risk of infection.
• Because lasers cause less tissue damage, healing time is reduced.

Lasers’ many dental applications include:

• Removal of benign tumors
• Early cavity detection
• Re-contouring gum and bone to provide a stronger base for tooth restoration procedures
• Reducing the need for drilling and local anesthesia during dental filling placement
• Accelerating the tooth-whitening process

If you or a loved one is considering laser dentistry, I would be pleased to discuss alternatives with you. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

posted by Evan Langsted at 2:41 PM

925.269.2700

Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S
Neuromuscular & Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Road Suite G
San Ramon, CA 94583

Disclaimer: San Ramon, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson's website only provides information on cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and family dentistry in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton , Walnut Creek
and the San Ramon area south of San Francisco. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
Copyright © 2008 Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S., CA.
All rights reserved. Website designed, developed and optimized by Page 1 Solutions, LLC