What Is Physiologic Dentistry?

Dentistry takes its name from the Latin for “tooth,” and teeth remain the focus for many dentists, but in its name physiologic dentistry, we have an expanded focus that includes the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints that support the teeth and perform the essential jaw functions of biting and chewing. Part of the rationale for this is that these other structures not only impact the healthy function of your teeth, but they are also intimately involved with the healthy function of the rest of the body.

Some of the essential principles of physiologic dentistry include:

  • The body exists as a biologic whole, not as a mechanism that can be disassembled to analyze the function of elements separately.
  • Therefore, the jaw system and the body have to be considered as part of a single whole, and we have to understand how each impacts the other.
  • When dysfunction exists, the body will adapt. This may minimize symptoms in the short term, but may ultimately create more damage and dysfunction in the long run.
  • A relaxed, decompressed state allows for optimal health and function. Muscle tension and pressure can lead to nerve pressure, restricted blood and lymphatic flow, as well as pain and soreness. Rested muscles and loose joints have an inherently better capacity for function.
  • All treatment should proceed from a comprehensive, scientific diagnosis that can guide treatment for maximum effectiveness.

When you put these principles together, you can see how physiologic dentists approach the problem of your bite and teeth: we will use scientific diagnosis to determine the current state of the system and guide us toward a treatment that improves the function of your jaw and body.
information sharing how the muscles, joints and teeth are all connected

Physiologic Dentistry and TMJ

One of the most common applications of physiologic dentistry is in treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, but also called TMD or TMJD–the name is complicated). In TMJ, dysfunction in the jaw joint causes a wide range of symptoms, some of which are seen in the mouth, such as worn or broken teeth, jaw pain, jaw sounds, and even a locked jaw. Other symptoms are seen elsewhere, including headaches, neck pain, back and shoulder pain, and, sometimes, even tingling and numbness in the fingers. Sometimes TMJ is caused by jaw trauma, but other times it is related to a bite that doesn’t fit together properly, what we describe as malocclusion.

In cases of TMJ caused by malocclusion, TMJ treatment with physiologic dentistry in Columbus, OH can provide essentially complete relief that can be long-lasting, even permanent.

Restorative Dentistry or Cosmetic and Physiologic Dentistry in Columbus, Oh?

Physiologic dentistry is also sometimes called on in service of other dental approaches, such as cosmetic or restorative dentistry. In this case, physiologic dentistry helps by ensuring that restorations promote and are protected by healthy jaw function. Malocclusion can be caused by dental restorations that aren’t designed using physiologic principles and therefore disrupt the harmony of the jaw system. These restorations can lead to TMJ symptoms and/or the premature failure of the restorations themselves.

Often, people want cosmetic or restorative dentistry in response to tooth damage like chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. When this damage is caused by jaw dysfunction, any restorations that are placed will also become cracked and worn. Using physiologic dentistry, we can plan restorations that will be long-lasting, healthy, and more attractive because they are based on the proper rest position of your jaw.

If you want to learn more about what makes physiologic dentistry an indispensable tool, please call (614) 848-5001 or contact us online for an appointment with a Columbus, Ohio physiological dentist at Firouzian Dentistry today.