MYNORTH MEDICAL INSIDER - Lakeview Dentistry of Charlevoixcharlevoixdentist.com/2012 Medical.pdf ·...

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If you have ever overdone an exercise regimen, you know that overuse of a mus- cle can cause pain, tenderness and limited range of motion. Unfortunately, the muscles of the jaw never really get the opportunity to rest. Hyperactive jaw muscles can nega- tively impact a person’s quality of life causing headaches, earaches, neck pain, tooth sensi- tivity, and jaw-joint issues which impact the ability to chew or talk efficiently. If this con- tinues on long enough, people may develop symptoms of depression and anxiety which further impacts overall quality of life. Bruxism (which literally means to gnash teeth) and clenching are two conditions that can occur individually or concurrently. They may be a sign of other underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or anxiety disor- der, and they are often listed as a potential side effect of certain medications. Because brux- ism usually occurs while sleeping, 20 percent of people are totally unaware of their condi- tion. Oftentimes it is by chance that a family member hears the teeth grinding and lets them know. My husband used to have this problem, and I would literally wake him up to stop him from grinding! Dentists who are conscientious and astute can also identify common signs of these conditions during simple rou- tine exams. Wear patterns on teeth, tooth mobility, cracking or chipping, or specific patterns on fillings or crowns are all signs of excessive jaw muscle force. Pocketing in gums, recession of gum tissue, or bone loss around the teeth are other serious conse- quences of untreated bruxism. Chipped and worn front teeth are usually the prob- lems that patients first notice followed by persistent pain in the head and neck areas. Fortunately there are many different inter- ventions available. The first step and least invasive treatment is usually the fabrication of an application device that is worn during the night to pre- vent the teeth from contacting. This device is designed specifically for the patient and accounts for the unique patterns of move- ment in the jaw. This device will protect the teeth and supporting structures from further damage, but the hyperactivity of the muscles will usually continue. Shockingly, muscle activity can be up to nine times more intense during sleep than while awake. Reducing the intensity of the hyperac- tive muscle contraction is where Botox may help. It is one of the most recent additions for treatment of bruxism. Botox is a highly purified protein that binds to the nerves of muscles, preventing contraction. Botox has been used to treat many different conditions, but the most well-known is the treatment of wrinkles. The ability of Botox to smooth out wrinkles is the result of the muscle under the skin not being able to contract to its stron- gest intensity. Using this principle, Botox can decrease the intensity of bruxism. A patient specific dose is determined to maxi- mize Botox’s ability to reduce jaw contraction intensity, but not alter the ability to chew. Another innovative approach effective in reducing pain and limited motion of hyper- active jaw muscles are lasers. Low level laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, has been used as a physical therapy treatment adjunct since the 1970’s. Low level laser therapy increases circulation in tissue, stimulates enzyme production in cells to breakdown inflammatory byproducts that cause pain and speeds the rate of healing in damaged muscle tissue. This minimally invasive pro- cedure takes minutes and can profoundly improve the range of motion in jaw muscles and decrease pain. Innovations in Dentistry How regular dental visits and simple procedures promote your health and well-being. BY DR. MELISSA MAKOWSKI OF LAKEVIEW DENTISTRY Dr. Melissa Makowski and her team at Lakeview Dentistry of Charlevoix are committed to providing exceptional care by utilizing the most advanced dental technology for patients. She has undergone extensive laser training with and holds a mastership in the World Clinical Laser Institute. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and has also received training in Botox use specific for dentistry by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Dr. Makowski is also a member of the dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Academy of Gen- eral Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Michi- gan Dental Association and the Vacationland District Dental Society. Dr. Makowski dedicates herself to continuing education to bring the most advanced dental care to her patients. 109 West Hurlbut Charlevoix, Michigan 49720 (231) 547-4347 www.charlevoixdentist.com Lakeview DENTISTRY OF CHARLEVOIX Conservation. Education. Prevention. Julie Meadows Photography MYNORTH MEDICAL INSIDER

Transcript of MYNORTH MEDICAL INSIDER - Lakeview Dentistry of Charlevoixcharlevoixdentist.com/2012 Medical.pdf ·...

If you have ever overdone an exercise regimen, you know that overuse of a mus-cle can cause pain, tenderness and limited range of motion. Unfortunately, the muscles of the jaw never really get the opportunity to rest. Hyperactive jaw muscles can nega-tively impact a person’s quality of life causing headaches, earaches, neck pain, tooth sensi-tivity, and jaw-joint issues which impact the ability to chew or talk efficiently. If this con-tinues on long enough, people may develop symptoms of depression and anxiety which further impacts overall quality of life.

Bruxism (which literally means to gnash teeth) and clenching are two conditions that can occur individually or concurrently. They may be a sign of other underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or anxiety disor-der, and they are often listed as a potential side effect of certain medications. Because brux-ism usually occurs while sleeping, 20 percent of people are totally unaware of their condi-tion. Oftentimes it is by chance that a family member hears the teeth grinding and lets them know. My husband used to have this problem, and I would literally wake him up to stop him from grinding!

Dentists who are conscientious and astute can also identify common signs of these conditions during simple rou-tine exams. Wear patterns on teeth, tooth mobility, cracking or chipping, or specific patterns on fillings or crowns are all signs of excessive jaw muscle force. Pocketing in gums, recession of gum tissue, or bone loss around the teeth are other serious conse-quences of untreated bruxism. Chipped and worn front teeth are usually the prob-lems that patients first notice followed by persistent pain in the head and neck areas. Fortunately there are many different inter-ventions available.

The first step and least invasive treatment is usually the fabrication of an application device that is worn during the night to pre-vent the teeth from contacting. This device is designed specifically for the patient and accounts for the unique patterns of move-ment in the jaw. This device will protect the teeth and supporting structures from further damage, but the hyperactivity of the muscles will usually continue. Shockingly, muscle activity can be up to nine times more intense during sleep than while awake.

Reducing the intensity of the hyperac-tive muscle contraction is where Botox may help. It is one of the most recent additions for treatment of bruxism. Botox is a highly purified protein that binds to the nerves of muscles, preventing contraction. Botox has been used to treat many different conditions, but the most well-known is the treatment of wrinkles. The ability of Botox to smooth out wrinkles is the result of the muscle under the skin not being able to contract to its stron-gest intensity. Using this principle, Botox can decrease the intensity of bruxism. A patient specific dose is determined to maxi-mize Botox’s ability to reduce jaw contraction intensity, but not alter the ability to chew.

Another innovative approach effective in reducing pain and limited motion of hyper-active jaw muscles are lasers. Low level laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, has been used as a physical therapy treatment adjunct since the 1970’s. Low level laser therapy increases circulation in tissue, stimulates enzyme production in cells to breakdown inflammatory byproducts that cause pain and speeds the rate of healing in damaged muscle tissue. This minimally invasive pro-cedure takes minutes and can profoundly improve the range of motion in jaw muscles and decrease pain.

Innovations in DentistryHow regular dental visits and simple procedures promote your health and well-being.

BY DR. MELISSA MAKOWSKI OF LAKEVIEW DENTISTRY

Dr. Melissa Makowski and her team at Lakeview Dentistry of Charlevoix are committed to providing exceptional care by utilizing the most advanced dental technology for patients. She has undergone extensive laser training with and holds a mastership in the World Clinical Laser Institute. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and has also received training in Botox use specifi c for dentistry by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Dr. Makowski is also a member of the dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Academy of Gen-eral Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Michi-gan Dental Association and the Vacationland District Dental Society. Dr. Makowski dedicates herself to continuing education to bring the most advanced dental care to her patients.

109 West HurlbutCharlevoix, Michigan 49720

(231) 547-4347www.charlevoixdentist.com

FAMILY AND LASER DENTISTRY

LakeviewD E N T I S T RY O F C H A R L E V O I X

Conservation. Education. Prevention.

Julie Meadows Photography

MYNORTH MEDICAL INSIDER

Schulz Chapman Dentistry is a father-daughter dental practice located near Munson Medical Center. Dr. Wes Schulz founded the practice in 1974. He was joined by his daughter, Dr. Brooke Chapman in 2007. Together they have over 40 years of experience in providing preventative and comprehensive care for the entire family.

The team at Schulz Chapman Dentistry offers a full array of general dental services to help you maintain healthy teeth and a bright smile. The office utilizes the latest technological advance-ments including low radiation digital x-rays, laser technology for diagnostic and treatment procedures and newest to our office,

ViziLite Plus for oral cancer screening. Both Drs. Schulz and Chapman are graduates of the University

of Michigan School of Dentistry and are active in their profes-sional associations. In addition Dr. Chapman is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and works with area physicians to address snoring and sleep apnea concerns.

The office is honored to have both Drs. selected by their peers as TopDentists™ in Northern Michigan! Please visit the website to learn more about their services or call the office to set up an appointment.

Schulz Chapman Dentistry127 S. Madison St. •Traverse City, MI 49684 231-946-3900 • traversecitydentists.net

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Did you know that temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ) affects over 75 million people at any one time and that 80% of all migraines and headaches are TMJ-related?

Sufferers are predisposed to migraines and headaches through increased muscle tension in the head and neck region. This tension is caused by an incorrect, unbalanced bite. There may be triggers to the pain such as certain foods, bright lights or even hormonal changes, however, these triggers would not cause the migraines or headaches unless the underlying muscle tension was already present.

Our goal is to correct the problem so that you never have to

experience migraines or headaches again. The team at Envision Dental has studied smile makeovers and headache treatments at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and Dr. Berard has been recognized as a preferred LVI provider.

We practice the latest treatments for migraines and headaches and have found that most sufferers can have their symptons greatly reduced or eliminated by placing the jaw in its most optimal physi-ological position through Neuromuscular Dentistry. Not only will this procedure reduce pain, but it will often give patients the smile they always dreamed about.

Do You Suffer From Migraines Or Headaches?4020 Copper View, Suite 122 •Traverse City, MI 49684 231-933-9000 • envisiondentaltc.com

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