The Neuromuscular instruments used by Dr. Bushdid to measure the position and function of your jaw and determine an optimal treatment plan are the Myomonitor K7 and a TENS unit. The Myomonitor K7 is a computerized diagnostic tool that provides Dr. Bushdid with three distinctly different technologies for measuring what is needed to find your correct bite. The first is Electromyography (EMG), which measures the muscle activity when in motion and at rest. The second is computerized tracking which produces 3-D pictures of your jaw position, when at rest and when in motion. The third is Electrosonography (ESG), which allows Dr. Bushdid to hear any joint noises when the jaw is in motion. Joint noises are a symptom of a bad bite. You and Dr. Bushdid will see muscle activity on the screen that will help you better understand where your bite is out of alignment. The TENS (Transcutanous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit is used to relax the major muscles of the head and neck. The TENS unit works by delivering gentle electrical stimulation to your muscles to help them get to a relaxed state. Tense muscles suffer from restricted blood flow. As the muscles are “exercised” with electrical stimulation and the muscles begin to relax, blood flow in the muscle increases. This not only brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, but flushes away accumulated waste products of metabolism. Usually after 45-60 minutes, this electrically induced “exercise” will allow your muscles to overcome their programming and go to a state of physiologic rest. Once the muscles are relaxed, together with the K7, your new most comfortable bite is found. Once this position is found, Dr. Bushdid can adjust your bite (Coronoplasty) or make you an orthotic (bite positioner) for you to wear which allows your jaw to rest in this most comfortable position. If it is decided that the comfortable position of your orthotic is the correct position for you in the long run, Dr. Bushdid can recommend orthodontics or porcelain restorations to improve your bite permanently. The result is a smile that not only looks wonderful but finally feels pain free. So the next time you wake up with a headache, reach for the phone instead of the Tylenol. Call Dr. Bushdid to see how Neuromuscular dentistry can improve your quality of life.