Gnathology

Irregular bite, problems with the teeth, frequent headaches and many other diseases can be associated with disorders of the dental and jaw system. This is a very complex mechanism, which consists of skull bones, teeth, maxillary-mandibular joint, as well as masticatory muscles and soft tissues. A gnathologist deals with diagnostics and corrections of his work.

Everything in the human body is interconnected, so the treatment of any disease must be approached comprehensively. It is important to eliminate not only the symptom, but also the cause. This is what a gnathologist specializes in. The doctor evaluates the work of all components of the dentofacial system and determines how a violation of one mechanism affects distant structures.

Gnathology – This is a relatively new specialization that requires knowledge from the doctor not only in the field of dentistry, but also in neurology and kinesiology.

During the consultation, the gnathologist first of all diagnoses the temporomandibular joints, bite and tone of the facial muscles, and also pays attention to the condition of the spine, neck and shoulder muscles.

If something is working out of harmony in this system, the patient may experience the following complications:

• bruxism;

• restriction when opening the mouth;

• jaw jamming in a certain position;

• clicking, crunching in the jaw when opening the mouth or chewing;

• pain in the joints;

• erosion of tooth enamel;

• malocclusion;

• reduction of gum tissue around the tooth;

• headache;

• toothache;

• pain in the ear, neck.

The task of a gnathologist is to identify the cause of these problems and, through treatment, restore the correct functionality of the entire dentofacial system. After its correction, many patients experience headaches of unknown etiology, facial muscle spasms, and other diseases, and facial features improve.

Most patients come to see a gnathologist on the recommendation of a dentist-therapist, dentist-orthopedic or orthodontist.

A specialist consultation is required not only in the presence of pronounced problems, but also in the case of:

• implantation;

• total prosthetics;

• orthodontic treatment;

• installation of a large number of crowns, veneers, etc.

In the presence of gnathological problems, only a comprehensive approach allows you to achieve the best result. And, conversely, if you install many implants, crowns or  braces, without taking into account the peculiarities of the dentofacial system, can provoke complications.

There are other indications for visiting a gnathologist:

• teeth grinding at night;

• constant clenching of the jaws;

• pain, discomfort, fatigue when chewing;

• overstrain, soreness of the chewing muscles;

• facial asymmetry;

• diction disorders;

• headache and/or tinnitus of unclear etiology;

• toothache, not associated with caries;

• improper jaw closure;

• pain in the neck, along the spine on the background of toothache, etc.

It is also important to consult a gnathologist if the listed symptoms have occurred after caries treatment, implant installation or other dental procedures.

During the consultation, the gnathologist conducts:

• examination of the oral cavity and checking the condition of the teeth, how wide the mouth opens, how the jaws move and close;

• palpation to assess the tone of the chewing muscles and the functioning of the joints;

• condylography - computer diagnostics that allows you to assess the condition of the jaws and temporomandibular joints at rest and in motion.

Condylography is a key diagnostic method. It allows you to assess the structure of the upper and lower jaws, as well as record the trajectory of their movement and the work of the joints during talking, chewing and swallowing.

The study is carried out using special equipment. Facebows are attached to the patient's head, which collect information and transmit it to a computer. There it is recorded in the form of digital indicators and graphs. Images and a 3D model are also formed. Working with it, the doctor can most accurately assess the mobility of the jaws and joints and choose the optimal treatment.

In some cases, an X-ray or computed tomography, orthopantomogram and other examinations may also be required, the scope of which is determined by the doctor after the initial examination. In dentistry "Oxford Medical" most examinations can be completed at once.

Treatment of gnathological disorders requires a comprehensive approach. To restore the proper functioning of the joints, bite and muscle tone, drug therapy, myogymnastics, orthodontic treatment, etc. may be required.

In most cases, patients are prescribed to wear muscle relaxants splints or other. They allow the chewing muscles to relax and gradually "train" them to work properly. Mouthguards are usually worn at night for 1 or more months.

Also, if it is necessary to restore the dentition, the gnathologist may recommend implantation, crowns or prosthetics, and in case of incorrect tooth position and bite disorders - correction using orthodontic systems (braces, plates).

In each case, the doctor individually develops a treatment program.

Oxford Medical employs a highly qualified gnathologist with many years of experience. Thanks to his experience and the availability of specialized equipment in the clinic, he conducts a thorough diagnosis during the appointment and gives recommendations for correction.

Restoring the correct functioning of all structures of the dentofacial system allows you to solve a whole range of problems and get rid of malocclusion, bruxism, headaches and other complications.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, you can get professional advice from a gnathologist - a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, musculoskeletal bite disorders and chronic facial pain.

During the appointment, the gnathologist dentist:

• conducts a clinical examination of the maxillofacial area;
• assesses the condition of the bite, the work of muscles and joints;
• prescribes additional diagnostics if necessary;
• draws up an individual treatment plan.

The consultation helps to identify the causes of discomfort - from facial muscle spasm to complex occlusion disorders.

The total cost of the appointment depends on the scope of the examination. You can pre-read the prices here here.

If you are looking for where to make an appointment with a gnathologist in Kyiv, — contact the dentistry «Oxford Medical». We will provide a professional approach and comfortable treatment conditions.