SMYRNA DENTAL: WHERE TO FIND RELIEF FROM HEADACHE, JAW PAIN, & NECK PAIN

While patients might not think much about the alignment of their bite, it can negatively impact their health in a variety of ways. By treating bite imbalances, patients may seek life changing dentistry that can improve a number of concerns that often develop from this condition. Patients who have headaches, migraines, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, jaw pain, TMJ disorder, and neck pain can benefit from treatment. At Smyrna Dental, many of our patients are excited to learn about dental treatment for relief.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The system utilized by Dr. David Lamothe is a great way to address bite imbalances in the office and at home. It combines two types of treatments. The first is done in-office and is personalized with light therapy, muscle manipulation, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. The second part is done at home as patients continue to perform special exercises and wear an orthotic between visits to the dentist.

Treatment starts with an evaluation with scans to check the alignment and imbalance in the bite. It includes a special questionnaire which allows Dr. Lamothe to determine one’s needs. Then, a treatment plan is custom-made after this assessment and begins with therapies necessary to relieve patients of pain and discomfort.

IS TREATMENT COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?

If you have dental insurance, you may be able to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment depending on your specific insurance provider and policy. We encourage patients to speak to our front desk team about their coverage requirements and then discuss the possibility of financing the remaining amount. The full cost can also be financed with payment plan options available in our practice if patients do not have dental insurance coverage for treatment.

Many patients are able to seek relief for their conditions by treating their bite imbalance with Dr. Lamothe’s services at Smyrna Dental. Our family-friendly practice has dedicated itself to providing care for children and adults in the community of Smyrna, GA. Contact our team today at (678) 374-3764 to schedule an appointment and discuss the many advantages of using these combined therapies and many other treatments to address common dental concerns.

Do you suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain? Mouth breathing may be the cause. Learn about the link.

Airway & TMJ Video

Airway and TMJ

The normal way to breathe is through your nose as we grow and develop certain things such as pollen cow milk and other variables can cause an allergic reaction causing the lymphoid tissues known as tonsils and adenoids to become swollen. As the tonsils and adenoids become swollen they develop into an obstruction for nasal breathing and slowly mouth breathing begins to be the primary intake of air into the body.

In order to breathe through the mouth, the lower jaw comes down; the tongue comes off the palate and settles on the lower teeth. Nasal breathing is the correct way for air to enter the body and during nasal breathing the tongue rests at the palate and the pressure on the cheeks is balanced by the tongue. During mouth breathing the pressure from the cheeks is unopposed by the tongue. The oral system becomes unbalanced and results in the deformation of the upper jaw creating a v-shaped arch as opposed to a correct u-shaped arch. This also produces an incorrect swallowing function. Upon swallowing the tongue rests on the lateral teeth hindering normal tooth eruption causing a lateral tongue thrust. A constantly open mouth causes the incisors to over-erupt.

The result is a deformation of the lower arch known as the bicuspid drop-off. The result of this deformation of the upper and lower arches is the presence of premature contacts upon closing which shifts the lower jaw distally off of the physiological trajectory. The narrowing of the upper arch pushes the lower jaw back. This forces the TMJ condyle to shed distally while the TMJ disc shifts forward. Upon opening the disc can shift onto the condyle to restore the TMJ’s correct position. Reduction of the disc and then shift back to an incorrect forward position upon close. This is what causes a reciprocal click. In addition, the muscles could be in a state of hypertonus or spasm which can result in tension headaches.

An incorrect position of the lower jaw can result in Para functional activity of the muscles, such as clenching and grinding. Over time grinding can result in severely worn down teeth as a result the teeth become even shorter the lower jaw shifts distally even further and the vertical of the wide decreases. In time, joint degeneration occurs. The joint becomes deformed and the ligaments of the joint become damaged. As a result, the TMJ disc can get trapped in front of the condyle. While the click may go away limited mouth opening will occur.

A distally shifted jaw and tongue positions result in even further restriction of the airway in order to open up the airway the neck moves forward and the head tilts backward. This stresses the spine and fatigues the neck muscles which results in neck, back, and shoulder pain.


Dr. David Lamothe

Dr. David Lamothe at Smyrna Dental is dedicated to helping patients get back their confidence with a healthy and a happy smile. He provides services ranging from cosmetic and restorative dentistry with the help of the latest digital technology and equipment. With treatment options such as dental crowns, bridges, and full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Lamothe will help regain the smile you have always dreamed of.

Dr. Lamothe earned his dentistry degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch. He pursued to advance his knowledge with practice and continuous education through dental courses specializing in restorative and cosmetic dental techniques. Due to his years of expertise and skills, he is valued as a member of the National Dental Association and prestigious dental associations.