Comprehensive Diagnostics and Effective Treatment
Precise, Comprehensive Diagnostics
An experienced team
A Unique Treatment for the Temporomandibular Joints
Complementary therapy - physical therapy
What is dental physical therapy?
Dental physical therapy is a branch of physical therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the oral cavity, face, neck, and temporomandibular joints. At the Impladent Clinic in Gdańsk, it is an important part of comprehensive dental care, where collaboration among specialists allows for an accurate diagnosis of the problem and the implementation of appropriate treatment.
In addition, the use of various forms of physical energy—known as dental physical therapy—can complement treatment. It focuses primarily on alleviating pain, relaxing the muscles of the stomatognathic system, promoting tissue regeneration, and inducing a positive psychophysical effect in the patient.
A Holistic Approach to Oral Health
Symptoms of dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints and facial muscles are often mistaken for other conditions. Patients who come to our clinic undergo a detailed diagnosis, which allows us to rule out the main causes of their symptoms.
We encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms to contact us to book an appointment with a dental physical therapist or a doctor specializing in temporomandibular joint therapy. Starting treatment early and addressing the root cause of the problem will effectively eliminate the symptoms and protect the patient from the progression of the condition.
Indications for dental physical therapy:
- Pain in the temporomandibular joint area
- Clenching and grinding one’s teeth
- Tooth Wear
- The appearance of gaps between the teeth
- Acoustic symptoms – pops, crackles
- Jumping near the joints
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain in the head, face, and neck
- Tinnitus
- Damage to dental fillings and dental restorations
Physical Therapy for the Temporomandibular Joints
The temporomandibular joints, just like other joints, can be affected by disease and injury. Their proper functioning depends on the proper coordination of all their components.
The main causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction include: hypermobility, malocclusion, untreated facial injuries, rheumatic diseases, and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. These can lead to pain, dislocation of the articular disc, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
If left untreated, these disorders result in overuse, inflammation, damage to the skeletal, ligamentous, and muscular systems, and degenerative changes in the joint tissues. During the diagnostic phase, we use additional tests such as CBCT tomography or NMR/MRI. Although symptoms may initially occur in only one joint, over time they can lead to dysfunction in both.
Physical Therapy Methods at the Impladent Clinic
Manual Therapy for the Temporomandibular Joints
It includes soft tissue therapy (deep tissue massage), fascial therapy, soft tissue and joint mobilization, and trigger point therapy. Thanks to manual therapy and maxillofacial physical therapy, the patient has the opportunity to regain full function and minimize the risk of recurrence of the dysfunction. After each visit, the patient receives a set of self-care exercises and recommendations
Lymphatic Drainage
It helps restore proper lymphatic drainage, which supports tissue healing and reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Through the use of lymphatic drainage techniques, it is possible to prevent or eliminate inflammatory, lymphatic, congestive, and oncotic edema, as well as accelerate the removal of metabolic waste products from the body.
Medical Taping
This method involves the use of special patches that stimulate the body through sensory input, supporting its compensatory abilities. The patches improve microcirculation and activate the lymphatic system, which results in reduced swelling and accelerated healing.
Your most frequently asked questions
What should you do if your jaw clicks or pops?
You should schedule a consultation with a dentist—preferably one who specializes in temporomandibular joint therapy—and with a dental physical therapist. Clinical and radiological examinations, along with a medical history, will help determine the cause of the condition and allow for the implementation of appropriate treatment.
What should I do if I notice tooth wear?
You should consult a dentist and a dental physical therapist to diagnose and determine the cause of tooth enamel wear. The latest diagnostic methods and the expertise of specialists will help determine the cause of tooth wear and implement the appropriate treatment.
Is there a link between temporomandibular joint disorders and headaches?
Yes. Sometimes headaches are caused by disorders of the jaw joints and muscle spasms in the neck and head. They can also result from an improper bite or bruxism. A dental physical therapist will assess whether the headache may be related to the temporomandibular joint.
Early diagnosis and dental physical therapy help prevent symptoms from worsening and protect against irreversible changes.
Book an appointment at the Impladent Clinic in Gdańsk and take advantage of comprehensive dental physical therapy.