Gnathology
The field of gnathology covers the study and correction of functional relationships between the elements of the dento-mandibular system. The gnathologist uses this data to accurately diagnose and treat pathologies, ensuring that all components of the system work in harmony.
The most important task of a gnathologist is to eliminate or prevent traumatic loads on tissues, ligaments and joints, which is especially important in the treatment of orthopedic and orthodontic pathologies.
Objectives and approach of gnathology
Key tasks of the gnathologist include
- Determining the central relationship of the jaws
- Analyzing the functionality of occlusion in both normal and pathological conditions;
- Applying functional diagnostic techniques;
- Conducting condylographs and utilizing mandibular motion recordings for functional analysis
Through a comprehensive approach, the gnathologist
- Determines the exact position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular heads axis.
- Finds and corrects the functional position of the mandible by applying crowns and onlays, taking into account the therapeutic position of the joint.
This approach maximizes the treatment of dento-mandibular dysfunctions and improves the patient’s quality of life.
What a gnathologist treats
A gnathologist is a specialist in the health of the dento-mandibular system and temporomandibular joint, addressing issues related to the comfort and functionality of this area.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anomalies;
- Dislocation and/or disc compression;
- Musculotendinous dysfunction;
- TMJ arthritis and arthrosis;
- Spontaneous lysis (atrophy) of the articular heads;
- Functional overload of the periodontium (the tissues that hold the teeth in the cavity);
- Dental deformities due to periodontitis (periodontal inflammation);
- Traumatic occlusion;
- Bite abnormalities;
- Congenital defects of the dentoalveolar system;
- Bruxism (teeth grinding);
- Clicking and crunching when the TMJ moves.
You should see a gnathologist if you notice any of the following symptoms or problems
These symptoms may be indicative of disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the dento-mandibular system as a whole. Early diagnosis and treatment by a gnathologist can help prevent serious complications such as TMJ dysfunction, bite problems, or problems with posture and breathing.
Clicking, crunching, or discomfort when chewing, talking, or moving your jaw
Difficulty opening the mouth or limitation of mouth movement
Spasms of the masseter muscles
Numbness in the jaw or facial area
Frequent headaches, dizziness, especially without obvious cause
Increased erosion of tooth enamel
Snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose or nasal congestion
Frequent diseases of the ENT organs, such as sinusitis or otitis media
Missing one or more teeth
Diction disorders or speech changes
Posture problems
Pain and spasms in the neck and collar area
Noise, ringing or congestion in the ears
Unexplained toothaches or headaches that do not respond to conventional treatment
How the counseling takes place
Consultation with a gnathologist begins with a detailed history. During the conversation, the doctor finds out the patient’s complaints, assesses the dynamics of symptoms and identifies possible causes of the disease, such as loss of teeth, dentures, orthodontic correction, inflammatory processes or neoplasms.
The next steps are as follows:
Clinical examination
The doctor performs an external examination, paying attention to facial asymmetry, the presence of swelling and swelling. Examination of the jaw at rest and in motion helps to determine the type of occlusion, bite height and amplitude of mouth opening.
Palpation of head and neck muscles
Using light pressure, the gnathologist identifies painful areas and assesses the nature of the pain to help localize the sources of discomfort.
Joint murmur analysis
If you detect clicking or crunching when you open your mouth, it may indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Evaluation of occlusion and bite
The doctor checks for proper tooth alignment, identifies supercontacts (areas of excessive tooth pressure on each other), and evaluates the level of the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Radiologic methods of research
To clarify the diagnosis, additional studies such as MRI or CT scans may be prescribed, which provide a complete picture of the condition of the bone and soft tissues.
Only after all the necessary tests have been performed can a gnathologist, whether an orthopedist or orthodontist, prescribe individualized treatment to restore function to the dentoalveolar system.
Methods of treatment
Treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) requires an individualized and comprehensive approach. The main task of the doctor is to determine the therapeutic position of the jaw, in which the muscles and joints are in harmony. This position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw helps to restore proper function of the entire dento-alveolar system.
In the DentalDate clinic, initial therapy is performed using special splints – splint therapy:
- Myorelaxing splint (occlusal splint) to relieve tension on the masticatory muscles;
- Repositioning splint to achieve a stable jaw position and occlusal stability;
This is followed by retention of the obtained position with the help of:
- Methods of bite normalization with bracket systems or eliners;
- Orthopedic correction with crowns, onlays, bridges, removable structures and crowns on implants.
Properly performed treatment not only restores the functionality of the dento-alveolar system (allows you to open your mouth wide, chew solid food without pain and fatigue), but also has a positive effect on the general condition of the body. Posture improves, headaches disappear, vision becomes sharper. Improved blood circulation improves cognitive functions: concentration and memory.
Doctors in the direction
All doctors
Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry (VieSID)
VieSID was founded by Prof. Rudolf Slavicek at the Danube University in Krems for the focused training of dentists and dental technicians in the gnathologic concept.
The DentalDate Functional Dentistry Clinic utilizes the unique and one-of-a-kind approach of the Vienna VieSID School for the comprehensive treatment of gnathologic problems.
The doctors of the DentalDate clinic are regularly trained at the VieSID school. This ensures that our patients are always on the right treatment path, the highest quality of each step and an excellent planned result with minimal impact in the oral cavity.
Make an appointment for a consultation to solve your problem and restore not only your smile, but also your health.
