Sometimes your ‘tooth pain’ is actually muscle or nerve pain.
For neuromuscular dentists in Nashville, who specialize in the alignment of the bite and jaw and undergo rigorous post-graduate training to help with the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder, BioPAK represents an exciting new diagnostic method. We use these BIOPAK readers measuring muscle activity, which is muscle intensity.
What is BioPAK?
BioPAK is a diagnostic aid that monitors a range of parameters of the stomatognathic system, including the function of the jaw and the surrounding musculature, a muscle group that often is referred to as the muscles of mastication. By using the BioPAK, our neuromuscular dentistry team can identify signs of TMJ disorder, and the severity of this disorder.
The technology also can help in the following areas:
- Diagnosing certain sleep breathing disorders
- Identifying other sources of craniofacial pain
- Evaluating patients in the areas of restorative dentistry, dentures, implant dentistry, orthodontics, and Occlusal reconstruction
How does BioPAK work?
Joint Vibration Analysis
This system analyzes the vibration of the jaw joints. The analytical process itself is based on the basic principles of motion and friction. If the jaw joints are smooth, the friction and vibration created when they rub together will be minimal. This is a fast, non-invasive way to measure the function of the temporomandibular joint, providing a wealth of knowledge for the diagnostic portion of treating a patient with TMJ disorder.
Electromyography
Used to determine the effectiveness of craniofacial musculature in a patient, this method evaluates the musculature when the system is at rest, while the jaws are clenched, or performing the act of normal chewing. It is considered perhaps the optimum objective method to measure the actions and reactions of the muscles of the head and neck. This can be used to test bite positions during the early stage of treatment of TMJ disorder.
Jaw Tracking
Using three-dimensional imagery, jaw tracking provides comprehensive information on a patient’s mandibular movement. Also referred to as JT-3D, jaw tracking through the BioPAK system analyzes movements of the jaw when chewing, swallowing, and speaking while also evaluating the range of motion. This can assist in identifying any abnormal function in the jaw, while also helping to find or design optimum chewing patterns. Jaw movement can be one of the greatest indicators of dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint.
M-Scan
Designed to record the activity of the craniofacial muscular system, this is easier to interpret than electromyography tests, allowing quick comparisons of bilateral muscles to determine if the symmetry of function exists. This information, when applied by an expertly trained neuromuscular dentist, allows the dentist to produce ideal results tailored to your specific physiology.
PATIENT BENEFITS
BioPAK allows us to safely position our patients in the most comfortable position for their musculature for TMD (less pain) and SLEEP (safely treat apnea even if they have TMD). BioPAK EMG Muscle Reading provides our team the opportunity to treat apnea more safely: by addressing and treating POSITION, joints and muscles are the happiest and you are the healthiest.