Dr. Forsberg's Santa Cruz Headache Blog

Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Salinas, California

Monday, April 12, 2010

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posted by edanjou at 11:43 AM

Monday, February 8, 2010

Go NO Saints ! PPMs and Neuromuscular Dentistry

The New Orleans Saints have just won the Super Bowl with most of the team's players wearing the Makkar PPM or Pure Power Mouthguards. Tracy Porter (who ran for a TD after catching the interception from Peyton Manning) is an advid proponet of the mouthguard. The PPMs are fitted using neuromuscular dental principles: putting the lower jaw into optimal position, (usually down and forward), thereby, aligning the spine. When the head, neck, and spine are properly aligned, balance, strength, range of motion, flexibility, and endurance are improved. Check out the Makkar Advantage website: http://www.makkaradvantage.com/

Using the these same neuromuscular dental principles, headaches, bite problems, and TMD signs and symptoms can often be treated. The computer scans and EMGs used in treating TMD is the same technology used to make PPMs! Check out our website: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/pure-power-mouthguard.html

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 2:22 PM

Monday, February 1, 2010

How is neuromuscular dentistry used to diagnose TMJ?

Dr. Forsberg uses the latest technology available to determine the most optimal position for your jaw. X-rays are taken to evaluate the condition and position of the temporomandibular joint. Electromyography measures your jaw muscle function in stressed and relaxed positions to determine if there are structural imbalances in the relationship between your jaw and your skull. Sonography records the sounds made by your jaw. This will reveal any abnormalities that are present. Also, computerized equipment is used to record the resting position and the path of the movement of your jaw.

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 12:22 PM

Tension Headaches

There are four main types of headaches: sinus, cluster, tension, and migraine. According to research conducted by Penn State University, tension headaches comprise of approximately 90% of all headaches. When a patient's dental bite is not right, tension can occur in the muscles in the temple area of the forehead which can cause a tension headache. Due to advancements in Neuromuscular Dentistry, Dr. Forsberg is able to relax the muscles associated with the jaw and place the bite is an optimal position. For many patients, this correction of their bite can cause their headaches to disappear. Please contact our office at 831-685-3300 or visit our website at www.advancedsmiledesigns.com.

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 11:42 AM

Friday, January 22, 2010

Headache Free Holiday

I just saw our patient, DL, yesterday. Her foremost complaint when she first arrived in our practice was daily, severe headaches. Since treating her TMD with a neuromuscular workup and splint (orthodic) her headaches and other signs and symptoms are essentially gone. She shared with us that this was the first holiday season in years (or for as long as she can remember) that she did not have headaches. She, as well as our team, were thrilled with her success and comfort. Please see our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 11:49 AM

Monday, January 18, 2010

TENSing

If you have been diagnosed with TMD (please see prior blog entries for the definition of TMD) your dentist may have mentioned TENSing as an option to relieve your pain and symptoms. TENSing is used when it is necessary to relax and restore the muscles around the jaw joint. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. TENSing in the dental setting refers to the use of ultra-low frequency stimulus delivered to the patient through electrodes placed on the patient's skin. TENSing is a pain free procedure that provides relief to many patients who suffer from TMD. Please contact Dr. Forsberg's office for more information on TMD relief at 831-685-3300. Also, check out our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/neuromuscular-dentistry.html.

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 10:41 AM

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

At home tens unit

According to the website http://www.myotronics.com/, the at home tens unit is "designed to allow the patient to safely apply electrical stimulation while at home to relax tense muscles. It is a battery operated, ultra-low frequency electrical stimulator designed specifically for the dental patient." Dr. Forsberg may decide to prescribe this unit to his patients for at home use to help relieve pain and muscle tension associated with T.M.D. This at home tens unit, in addition to in-office tensing, will further help relax facial muscles, increase blood circulation, and increase mandibular range of motion.

posted by Terry Forsberg DDS at 12:59 PM

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