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.
Tje botulin for those suffering from bruxism
An innovative solution for the treatment of bruxism is the use of Botox, known for its effectiveness in relaxing the masticatory muscles.Bruxism, characterized by involuntary clenching of the teeth, can cause facial pain, jaw tension and tooth wear. Targeted injections of Botox into the masticatory muscles involved in the grinding or clenching action work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle activity and induce controlled relaxation. This noninvasive solution offers effective relief from bruxism symptoms, improving patient comfort without the need for invasive braces or surgery. The treatment is customized to the patient's needs and undergoes periodic evaluation to ensure lasting and satisfactory results.
Le fasi del percorso
Visit and data collection
Radiographs are taken in the office, fingerprints are taken, and photographs are taken. Major masticatory muscles, joint, and body and foot posture are examined (posturometer and podoscope). Snoring (polysonography) and grinding (brux checker) are checked. Joint function is examined (condylography) and, if necessary, a joint MRI is performed at a specific diagnostic center.
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Treatment plan
Once the critical issues are highlighted, a treatment plan is drawn up, which often involves the use of specific splints, customized dental devices, which can be either remedial or "buffering." In other cases, multidisciplinary treatments are required, involving different professionals, such as osteopath, dietitian, etc., to implement a treatment plan that involves several coordinated and complementary interventions.
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Diagnosis
Data collection will reveal whether the masticatory system impacts musculoskeletal function and what treatments are most appropriate to implement to resolve any problems encountered.
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Casi clinici
I nostri Servizi
Dal nostro Blog
Posturologia e ricalibrazione posturale
Gnatologia al Centro Andriolo: il corso
Chirurgia gnatologica
Gnatologia - blocco mandibolare
