What is gnathology?
Gnathology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the function of the mandible, temporomandibular joint (muscles, menisci, tendons), masticatory and postural muscles, and tooth gear.
What is gnathology
Studies the function of the jawbone.
Gnathological examination
Data collection on jaw function.
Who needs it
To those suffering from bruxism, headaches, snoring, neck, postural problems, teeth grinding.
How it is treated
Bite, orthodontics, occlusal elevations, postural elevations.
Multidisciplinary treatments.
Symptoms to be evaluated
The most common symptoms to evaluate with a gnathological examination:
● mandibular noises;
● difficulty opening and closing the mouth;
● bruxism or teeth grinding;
● uncoordination of the jaw;
● trauma;
● facial pain;
● headaches;
● dizziness and sense of unsteadiness;
● neck pain;
● postural problems: hernias, low back pain, myalgia;
● shoulder and leg pain;
● gastro-intestinal problems;
● visual impairments.
Thus, gnathology has the task of preventing and/or treating the dysfunctions that might be generated by these symptoms.
Who is the gnathologist
The gnathologist is the dental specialist who deals with gnathology. His or her purpose is to identify and set up the most appropriate therapeutic paths to resolve present disorders by going to the primary source, also in collaboration with other specialists. Comprehensive diagnostic pathway is the primary resolving tool.
The instruments in the office for diagnosis
Posturometer
Allows to detect a person's global posture to highlight scoliotic curves, stiffened neck, torso and pelvis rotations.
The mouth is a joint. It functions through muscles that are connected to the spine. An imbalance of it consequently results in an impairment of the entire spine, connected muscles and nerves. The posturometer helps the gnathologist assess whether the mandibular system affects the spin.
Podoscope
Detects foot posture: stance, weight bearing, hollow or flat foot.
The podiatoscope also helps the gnathologist assess whether the mandibular system affects the spine.
Brux checker
This is a micro bite with a thickness of a few microns that, kept overnight, detects the presence of bruxism and clenching of the teeth.
MRI: TMJ MRI. It tells us how the joints are.
Condylography
This is the examination of joint function.
It highlights jaw movements and confirms clinical examination assessments.
Risonanza magnetica (in centro diagnostico medico)
È l’esame di valutazione delle parti anatomiche delle articolazioni, effettuato in un centro diagnostico medico e valuta lo stato anatomico di: strutture ossee, legamenti, muscoli; Ricercando la presenza di atrosi e artite, stiramenti e infiammazioni.
Applied Dental Kinesiolog
This is a muscle test that allows us to understand whether the occlusion is primary or related to other pathologies.