With the loss of the periodontal ligament, functional assessment prior to mandibular repositioning is vital in prosthodontic cases. Prosthodontic treatment can, and often does change the position of the patient's mandible. Because of this, many clinicians use prosthetics as part of their treatment of patients with craniofacial pain. However, if we accept the premise that mandibular repositioning can be helpful, we must also accept that it may result in a less favorable position.
The use of biometric measurements can help the practitioner to ensure that they do not start prosthodontic treatment on a patient with compromised temporomandibular joints or musculature. This allows the clinician to make sure that the patient's mandible is in a physiologically acceptable position before ending treatment. The clinician can monitor the progress of treatment, not only as changes in appearance, but also in terms of improved functionality.
Many practitioners who do implants use Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), and Electromyography (BioEMG II) to ensure that they do not start prosthodontic treatment on a patient with compromised temporomandibular joints or musculature.
The BioPAK system helps the Prosthodontist to accurately and objectively evaluate the patient's temporomandibular joint, muscles and mandible, before, during and after treatment. This allows the clinician to make sure that the patient's mandible is in a physiologically acceptable position before ending treatment. Using the JT-3D Jaw Tracker, the clinician can monitor the progress of treatment, not only as changes in appearance, but also in terms of improved functionality.
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Dr. Joe Tregaskes Dr. Tregaskes has developed a course to assist the general dentist that is providing implant therapy to his/her patients. Over his 29 years of experience in prosthodontics, he has learned that understanding the physiology surounding the implant is vital to the success of each case. This course is specifically designed to give the general practitioner a clear understanding of what to look for when preparing to place implants and how to ensure a successful treatment outcome. Read More |
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Dr. Michael Gelbart Dr. Michael Gelbart maintains two thriving prosthodontic practices in Brewster and Fishkill NY. He lectures nationally on the application of neuromuscular principals to enhance prosthodontic treatment. Read More |
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Dr. Robert Kerstein Dr. Robert Kerstein is a leading author, researcher, and educator in the field of Computerized Occlusal analysis. He has studied for over twenty years how to optimize occlusion with time based principles using computerized occlusal analysis. After years of clinical practice and published research, Dr. Kerstein teaches true precision in occlusal adjustments cannot be accomplished without quantifying time and force. Read More |