COMPUTERIZED SONOGRAPHY

COMPUTERIZED SONOGRAPHY is equipment that measures how well the joint functions while in motion. All other images such as MRI, or X-rays are only static pictures of the joints in certain positions. This is accomplished by placing headphones over the joints and recording the vibrations of either soft tissue (quiet, when disc is working properly) or movement of the articular joint cartilage. Short of an MRI, this is the ideal objective proof of what is happening to the joint as it functions, and dramatically less expensive and timely compared to an MRI. Sonography is more accurate than palpation, a stethoscope or even the patient reports, when it comes to recording vibration in the joints. Sonography provides us with a picture on the extent of health or disease that is present in the joint.

ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG)

This instrument measures and analyzes the electrical activity in the muscles that move the jaw at rest and during function. In health, muscles rest with low levels of electrical activity and function with high levels of balanced activity. In TMD the reverse is often observed. Illustrative data demonstrate the resting EMG activity before and after TENS (electrical stimulation therapy to relax muscles) as well as the Functioning (clench) EMG activity in the natural bite and in the corrected neuromuscular occlusion used for treatment. EMG is a painless test, which is performed using surface electrodes, like band-aids on the face, forehead, side of the head and beneath the chin.

THE COMPUTERIZED MANDIBULAR SCAN (CMS)

The CMS is a tracking device that records, in three dimensions, the delicate functioning movements of the jaw with accuracy in tenths of a millimeter. Recordings are made of the movement of a small magnet temporarily attached to the gum below the lower front teeth. Opening, closing, swallowing and chewing movements can be scrutinized and analyzed. The natural occlusion and the healthy "neuromuscular occlusion" treatment positions can be located with this computerized instrument. This testing is used at the initiation of treatment and thereafter to evaluate the accuracy of jaw position at the treatment occlusion.

T-Scan II

T-Scan II is a computerized timing and force evaluation of occlusion. The sensor is placed in the patient's mouth using a special handle. As the patient bites on the ultra-thin sensor, the T-Scan II software dynamically scans and displays the occlusion on a computer screen. The timing and force of the tooth contacts are shown in easily understandable color-coded contour images. These allow instant diagnosis of the occlusion, as well as instant MIP, center of force, and force trajectory. The main benefit of using the T-Scan II is achieving instant documentation of the patient's occlusion. This diagnostic scanner features advanced electronics.

RADIOGRAPHS

We rely heavily on TOMOGRAPHIC xrays. These allow us to take “slices” at certain angles of the temporomandibular joint when the jaw is at rest, or the jaw is clenching or when the jaw is wide open. Changes to the bones of the Temporomandibular joint such as osteo-degeneration, arthritis or fractures.

We also use the following x-rays to give us insight into any skeletal imbalances that contribute to TMD dysfunction.

• Submentovertex
• Cervical Spine
• Lateral and Frontal Cephlametric
• Waters & Townes
• Panoramic
• Sinus/Inner Ear