4.3 KiB
| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentomandibular sensorimotor dysfunction | 1/2 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentomandibular_sensorimotor_dysfunction | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T07:27:44.166953+00:00 | kb-cron |
Dentomandibular sensorimotor dysfunction (DMSD) is a medical condition involving the mandible (lower jaw), upper three cervical (neck) vertebrae, and the surrounding muscle and nerve areas. There is a concentrated nerve center in this area called the trigeminal nucleus. This major pathway of nerves controls pain signals from the teeth, face, head, and neck, and carries them to the brain. DMSD is a condition in which an individual experiences chronic pain or stiffness from these nerve inputs as a result of dental force imbalances.
== Signs and symptoms == There are many symptoms associated with DMSD conditions. The most commonly reported are:
Headache/Migraine Chronic daily headache Tension-type headache Myofascial pain Tinnitus Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) Pulpitis Poor airway control Sleep/arousal disorder Changes in brain chemistry and neurotransmitter balance Bruxism Abfraction Tooth fracture/damage Unstable dental arch form Restricted range of motion and postural adaptations Clenching with or without torus formation Abnormal tooth wear patterns Malocclusion Parafunction Degenerative joint disease This condition affects all ages and both genders. However, females are more likely to suffer from DMSD. Individuals who have experienced chronic headaches and/or migraines without finding lasting relief through traditional medicine can be assessed for DMSD through a combination of objective tests, evaluations, and a comprehensive discussion of their symptoms, medical history, headache history, pharmacological background, and head health. Research used in sports medicine and rehabilitation allows dentists to address the population with DMSD symptoms.
== Dental foundation == The dental foundation consists of teeth, muscles, and joints in the dentofacial (head and neck) area. The dental foundation is considered to be out of balance when one or more of the following conditions apply:
Advanced aging or disability of the muscles which open the jaw. Movement or noises in the jaw joints which indicate the disks in the neck are moving, deformed, or swollen. Tooth wear or breakage. Limited range of motion in the jaw and cervical (neck) spine. Painful or sore head and/or neck muscles with very sensitive spots referred to as trigger points. Pain that stems from the trigeminal cervical nucleus. Any lifestyle limitation related to the teeth, muscles, or joints of the head and neck.
== Diagnosis == The protocol for assessment of the condition is typically done in several stages:
A physical examination with head health, headache, pharmacological and complete medical histories. Additionally, dental, periodontal, occlusal, orthodontic, and airway examinations are encouraged as part of the initial screening process. Next, a panoramic radiograph (also called a curved surface tomograph) is used to identify or confirm dental conditions which may contribute to painful DMSD symptoms. Computed tomography (CT scans) can also be utilized at this point for further aid in assessment and treatment planning. Muscle palpation is used to evaluate where the individual is experiencing trigger points. These are areas of high sensitivity in the facial, head, and neck muscles. When these areas are pressed, it causes pain either in that muscle (localized pain), or in another area (referred pain). A muscle palpation examination is performed to aid in the discovery of “latent trigger points”, or trigger points which cause no pain unless direct pressure is applied.
=== Digital portion ===
==== Tekscan's T-Scan ==== This tool is used for digital force analysis to measure the presence and amount of imbalance at closing of the mouth, during closure, and during mastication (chewing). The computer displays the results of how the forces in the mouth spread along the arch, the center of force, the center of force trajectory, and the left/right force balance. This means the dentist can show patients which teeth are generating the most force, and facilitates the dentist's knowledge of what adjustments need to be made to teeth and soft tissue to create a stable dental foundation.